Marcus Peterson is currently a wide receiver for the Los Angeles Chargers, a model, and an entrepreneur. He is from Inglewood, California, where he attended a small Christian school, and although he made it all the way to the NFL, he didn't start playing football until the 10th grade. With no D1 college scholarship offers, the odds were not in his favor and his college career at Seton Hill University didn't go as he expected, but he never gave up on his dream to play in the big leagues.

After his senior year in college he was given the opportunity to train with the best of the best NFL quarterbacks, receivers, and trainers. Marcus never lost faith and with his hard work and determination he signed with the NFL. He went to the University of Derby in London, England where he received his MBA in finance. Marcus has a clothing brand called MP Motivational Brand Apparel with this brand he aims to make people feel important and know they have a purpose. 2aDays sat down with him to learn more about his journey and found lots of teachable moments for athletes of all ages. 

2aDays: What do you feel is the most important quality that an athlete can have to make a great teammate?

Marcus: Discipline & self control because sometimes well most times situations or the game gets out of our hands so having that self control helps and benefits the team as a whole.

2aDays: What advice can you give the upcoming athletes as far as training is concerned in the off-season? What should they do to rise above the rest of the players?

Marcus: Go the extra mile, and don't skip drills, cones, and reps because those add up and you practice like how you'll play. Being tired sometimes is a mindset. Take care of your bodies, get your proper rest and stay in the weight room to prevent injuries later. 

Related: Football Offseason Made Simple

2aDays: What tip can you give athletes to stay motivated when things are not going their way?

Marcus: Understanding and knowing their “WHY?” Why they started in the first place? What are they doing it for?

2aDays: What advice can you give to that athlete who does not go the extra mile for the team? Meaning what is the biggest don't that they can do as far as being a team player? Does it impair his opportunities to play or do you play the best no matter what?

Marcus: If you're not all in and willing to sacrifice for the team you will soon become a cancer. 

2aDays: What advice can you give to an athlete who is looking to get off the bench?

Marcus: Control what you can control and keep working your craft because when their jersey is called they HAVE to be ready and not getting ready. You might only get one chance.

2aDays:  What advice would you give to recruits as far as social media is concerned?

Marcus: Please be careful what you post, like and comment because in this internet world they will bring stuff up you did probably since birth!

Related: Can a Tweet Cost You a Scholarship? 8 Coaches Talk Social Media and Recruiting

2aDays: Do you think high school football players should be open to playing different positions when playing college ball? Or do you think they should push to play their one position?

Marcus: Yes, of course 5/10 athletes don't play what position they played in high school in the pros.

2aDays: All athletes deal with coaches that they do not get along with. What advice can you give to those kids as far as how they should handle this situation? Should they suck it up or should they express how they feel to the coach?

Marcus: I dealt with this my whole career. It's all a mind game, just listen and stay respectful. I think they should express how they feel respectfully .

2aDays: How important are facilities when looking at colleges, should they matter, or should the team dynamics matter more?

Marcus: I say go when you are wanted!

2aDays:  If an athlete is looking to go pro what is the best piece of advice that you can give them.

Marcus: Watch film, network like crazy , stay focused on the prize.

Have a story idea or know an awesome athlete/coach we should interview? Email us at [email protected]

* Originally published on May 3, 2022, by Erin Smith