Ed Marinaro is arguably the greatest football player in Ivy League history. Marinaro played college football at Cornell University, where he set over 16 NCAA records. He was the first running back in NCAA history to run for 4,000 career rushing yards and led the nation in rushing in 1971. He went on to finish in second place for the 1971 Heisman Trophy. 

Then, after six years in the NFL that included two Super Bowl appearances with the Minnesota Vikings, Marinaro turned to acting, starring in the popular show Hill Street Blues. Despite having one of the most decorated collegiate football careers ever and numerous other accolades, he is most famous among Millenials and Gen Z for playing Coach Marty Daniels on Blue Mountain State. BMS gave fans three seasons and a movie of raunchy humor with a little bit of football mixed in. As one of my favorite shows of all time, BMS is a decade-defining show for the 2010s. 

Marinaro took the time to share his experience as an athlete, offer advice to the next generation of college stars, and share a few stories along the way.

2aDays: Since you were a highly recruited football and basketball athlete, why did you choose football? Would you recommend that dual high school athletes try to pursue their two sports in college?

It's very demanding to play two sports in college. Most people who do that take the winter off as long as you maintain your academics. I don't think I could have done that. Cornell was pretty demanding. It's a good thing to rest your body–even in college. You need to take some time and let your body regenerate. My son is 17 and plays football, basketball, and lacrosse. Playing three sports makes it hard for him to put on weight because he's constantly burning calories. At some point, an athlete needs to take time off and focus on one sport.

Related: Should I Play Other Sports During My Football Recruiting Process? 3 Former NFL Players Weigh in

2aDays: Last time we spoke, we talked about you choosing Cornell over Penn State. How did the Ivy League Football experience compare to a bigger school like Penn State? 

In my day, the Ivy League was more of a true Division 1 school. I always say that the difference between the Ivies and other schools is the depth. At Cornell, there's a significant drop off if we get someone injured. We only have so many skill position guys. If we lose a running back or quarterback, it's not likely that someone will be able to step in and produce the same way a backup can at a bigger school. 

I have no regrets. My experience at Cornell was wonderful. I have teammates I still keep in touch with. Of course, it helps when you're a winning team. We were Co-Ivy League Champions during my senior year. Winning unites you forever [and] the Ivy League was just as competitive. I played against tons of great players who could have played at plenty of other schools. 

2aDays: What is the best piece of advice that you can offer to high school athletes who are looking to play at the college level?

Stay focused on the here and now. Don't get ahead of yourself. Take care of business. Work hard. Don't freak about signing with a school early so that you can relax. I [told] my son to wait until the last possible minute to sign. Work hard now, and the rest will fall into place. People's priorities tend to get whacked out. Everyone wants to commit to someplace. I don't want him to commit. I want him to enjoy his career. Don't look ahead because before you know it, high school will be over. 

Related: College Football Recruiting Advice: Tips and Tricks From 5 Pro Players and Coaches

2aDays: What are the three main characteristics that a high school athlete needs to have in order to be a great college football player?

You have to focus on being a good student. When you say you're playing football in college, the keyword is “college.” You're going there to get an education. Of course, you're playing football at the same time, but education needs to be the primary focus. Football can be gone in a second. 

The step from high school to college is big. You're getting the best of the best. You have to be ready to up your game. A lot of people don't have that extra gear, so they don't make it. Work hard. I tell people to do two things: hit the weights and do speed drills. If you want to get recruited, run a 4.5 forty. 

2aDays: What is the best piece of advice that a coach has given you, and who was that coach?

My college coach, Jack Musick, was a good man who wasn't afraid to tell me that I was good. A lot of coaches try to be tougher on the best kids. That was my story up until college. Jack Musick encouraged and complimented me. I would run through a wall for him. The best advice he gave me was, “I believe you're good, and you can be as good as you want to be.” That really drove me.

2aDays: What makes a great football leader on the field?

A great leader on the field is a combination of example and words. A great leader knows when to encourage someone and when to get on someone. More importantly, people will watch the way he responds to situations. When things aren't going well, he doesn't change. That's the kind of player that can become a coach. I played for Bud Grant on the Minnesota Vikings. He was very unemotional. You didn't know if you were winning by three touchdowns or losing by three touchdowns. He was very even-keeled. A team will take on the personality of its coach. When the coach is out of control, personal fouls and undisciplined players tend to follow. A great leader adjusts to whom they're trying to lead. You can't lead everyone the same way. You have to be able to reach every kind of individual so that you understand their strengths, weaknesses, and personalities. Great coaches do that.

2aDays: Would you say that your football career had a career-defining play or moment?

I wouldn't say one particular play. But when I was a freshman, we ran a very conventional offense with a split backfield. Running backs were in three-point stances and lined up five yards behind the line of scrimmage. You'd get the ball and hope a hole opened up. Going into my sophomore year, the coaching staff put in a whole new offense to suit my skill set. We went to the I-Formation. I'd line up seven yards in the backfield. We could run off tackle, inside, sweeps, counters, and pitch options. The back's job was to find the hole. It suited my style of running. There wasn't a system that could have better highlighted what I did best. I would never have gained the yards I did. I would have never had the career I had without that. I was very fortunate.

2aDays: What players in today's game, college, or the NFL, do you love to watch?

I love watching Dalvin Cook. I saw him live when I went to Vikings' alumni weekend. He's special. Lamar Jackson is so fast. He's taking the league by storm. I hope he stays healthy because, in this league, one big hit can hurt you. Patrick Mahomes is fun to watch too. 

Related: Troy Polamalu's Advice to High School Football Players

2aDays: Are there any exciting new projects you're working on?

I have a small but fun role in a prequel to the Sopranos. It's called The Many Saints of Newark, and I believe it comes out in September of 2020. When not working as an actor, I work as a public speaker, telling my life story at corporate functions and conventions. I'm not necessarily a motivational speaker. I just tell my story and let audiences take what they can from my own experiences to apply in their own lives.

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* Originally published on January 25, 2023, by Raphael Chierchio