Yardbarker: MarquesDouglas

I Didn't Forget

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 13:18:50 -0500

I was often told during my rookie season that I should cherish the relationships and the memories the NFL would bring. Over the years I’ve had the opportunity to work with some great people. I have played with future Hall of Famers and been taught by legendary coaches as well. But it’s not necessarily those individuals who I have bonded with the most. I came into the league as an undrafted free agent. I was one of the many who sat on their couch during the 1999 April draft hoping to hear their name called. It was never called. But 11 years later, I still use that experience to fuel my fire.

During the first day of free agency this year, the Baltimore Ravens released me. Surprised, yes, but life goes on. Shortly after I received that call by the General Manger, I also got word of a missing boat off the coast of Florida. I heard about the boat over the weekend, but never realized one of my friends was a passenger on board. Corey Smith was a humble, God-fearing, reserved young man. When I signed with the 49ers back in 2005, Corey and I would often hang out together, and rode with one another to the hotel the night before the game, as many players do. We regularly talked about life, music, and other things. He was as close to me during that time, as any one else on the team. We would go to mall after workouts, and try to find the latest gear, or watch practice film together. He would often talk about returning to Florida and I would talk about retreating to North Carolina. He was also excited about his recent purchase of a condo. I frequently asked him during our games for tips on how the D-Line could play better, and he would give me pointers on my game. Many of us used to stand in amazement watching him beat O-linemen, during drills. As I look back, I can still see him sitting at his locker, laughing and joking. That’s what makes it even harder to realize sometimes that he’s gone. Do I understand death,…yes. As a Christian I understand that to be absent from the body, is to be present with the father. But when someone so young falls victim to an untimely death, it hurts. This man inspired many, but his voice, and life was only worth about 7 days of coverage on the news. I wish sometimes as athletes we would stand as close as soldiers. They never leave anyone behind. Instead it feels like, we left them. I never forgot the feeling from seeing the lights down below crossing over international waters, after returning from seeing the troops over seas. I also felt as if I left them, when the pilot announced we were over U.S. One of my last encounters with the troops was with a squad from Fort Bragg. A young sergeant wanted to take a picture with me and the solider holding the camera couldn’t stop shaking. He was only about 19, but clearly afraid. So the Sergeant told him that he would be all right. So much is written about the bad apples in the NFL, and not enough is spread about those guys who play by the rules. Many guys who embody the blue collar work ethic, who are just as talented as those players who break the law, are never given the credit they deserve and often times go unnoticed for doing things the right way. Some think most elite players are either on drugs or are violent offenders. While some use their platforms wisely others talk about meaningless events and fail recognize the world around them. When will we take time to acknowledge the “GOOD GUYS’ instead of the knuckle heads? Corey Smith was one the most dynamic players in the NFL. Grant it, he did not have league-leading statistics, but he did more with his natural ability than 98% of active players.

Three Hours on Sunday

Mon, 01 Jun 2009 20:52:57 -0500

Many people only see the end results. To wear nice suits and live in nice homes comes with a price. Many see us on Sunday, and figure that our lives as NFL players are easy. Well, I have news for them. The price we pay is great, but so is the reward. We have been working hard since, March 16, perfecting our craft. To look into the eyes of young rookies who come into the league not knowing what to expect, gives them a reality check that leads their agents to be psychologists or late night preachers. We practice almost everyday of the week, meet, and lift weights all for those three hours on Sunday to dominate. Everyone who crosses those white lines on Sunday, can not look into the stands for Superman. For three hours on Sunday, I am Superman, I, wholeheartedly believe, for that short period of time, no one can stop me, or my team. It's a mindset that you have to have. Do we get hurt on Sunday? Yes. But the sideline is my booth, where for a short period of time I can think about the next call, or how I can attack my opponent better. Because, at the end of the day you don't want to hear about my sore ankle, or my headache. At 4 p.m. on Sunday when I talk with my family and friends, who couldn't watch the game, they only want to hear one thing, or ask me the most important question. Did We Win? And. How did I Play? These expectations are High. But so are our goals. To whom much is given, much is required. My football career has cost me 2 ACL's, a dislocated elbow, and a host of other things. But, it has given me the faith to be a better Christian, Husband, Father, Brother,and Player. And if I had not gone through those injuries, I wouldn't be the player I am today. Everybody has to pay some kind of price on their road to "Greatness". Where has your road taken you? And ask yourself, are you stronger now, than you were?

Get Ready For Change

Wed, 08 Apr 2009 19:45:08 -0500

I wonder sometimes how change happens. Does it take someone or a group of people to move in such a way where they are inspired? Personally, I feel that we are in need of some true change as a nation. We need to change the way we view our teachers, society, money, and athletes. What do you think we need to change?

Far too many times we let the outside world raise and influence our children in the wrong ways. Sports has the platform to teach our kids so much about life. Sports can teach them how to work hard to achieve their goals, and also give them the confidence to resolve conflicts with others. Sports can teach children how to look past the color of their opponents and judge them by their skill.

I am hopeful today as a member of the New York Jets, that I can give to my team just what they need to be successful. We are judged in my business on wins and loses. As a defensive lineman we are judged by how many sacks or tackles we receive. We all have the same goal on Sunday and that is to win.

I love the blue collar mentality of the Jets, we are working out everyday during the week, not to be just and "okay" team, but we want to dominate our opponents in September.. That will happen when, as a team players start changing their outlook on how we approach Sunday. My teammates are dedicated to winning, and we are currently inspiring all who stand with us to get ready for change. I love the slogan "The Titans of New York." Are you big enough to announce he arrival of the Jets? i can't wait until i here that famed chant J.E.T.S. JETS! JETS! JETS

Food for Thought

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 22:39:56 -0500

Many people stood amazed, as Americans felt a change come over them. I never thought I would see a nation so ready for change. We want to be able to look at ourselves, and know that the lives we lead, one day will be a better place to raise our families. Over the past ten years, I have felt a change in how I view life and my role in my community. I've always wanted to stop the buses as we entered the visiting stadiums and knock on the doors of the people who can not afford to attend the games. So often we spend more time cheering our "Athletes" than wondering who lives in the run down neighborhoods where our stadiums are built. I was once told by a teammate as a rookie that "You can only Run from the truth so long". Have we been running? Have we really been good neighbors? I know as a football player it is my job to not only be the best in my position, but to be a good citizen. I love the mentality that we have as players on game day. It does not matter who we are playing, how far we have to travel, we are expecting to win. I want my teammates to give their best, not only on game day but also throughout the week. Yes, the win is important, but the process to becoming a winner is also important . Our process as Ravens, has lead to a 6-3 record, we accept every win as well as the defeats. We have learned more in our defeats than our victories, because as players we want to know how can we get better. We are constantly working very hard on "Chasing Perfection", hopefully each week we won't make the same mistakes and get better as a team, so stay tuned, because........ HERE COME THE RAVENS

Back Where I Started

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 20:24:34 -0500

It all started for me back in 1999 when a team took a chance on a young free agent from Howard University. I was given no chance to make the team, much less have a career in the NFL. But I remember Rex Ryan telling me and three others that the Ravens only had room for one us. I took that as a personal invitation for me to show to the team that I was worthy of that spot. There I was in a room with 2 other athletes one a DE and the other a DT, I was the smallest one by height and by size. I remember finally being told I made the practice squad, after 4 preseason games. Fast forward 10 years later, and here I am still in the NFL and back where I started. I was traded from Tampa on exactly 2 weeks ago and landed back where it all started. I know what it means to dream and to long for home. Although I played for the 49'ers and gave my all to the organization, there is no place like returning to the place where your career started. I remember being taught how to play the game as a rookie from the "Vet's". How to play run defense, and how to last in a league where the average career is 2 years. There are still a few of us around who play the game not for fame , but for respect. I have written some very heart felt entries over the past year and meant everyone of them. But believe me I know how to play this game, for those teams who don't value playing the game the right way, missed out, but I am thankful for teams like the Ravens and 49'ers who know the value in the "Old School" style of playing football. Remember before you rush the Passer (QB) , you have to stop the run. Many teams have given up on Playing the Game that made men like "Deacon Jones" and "Bruce Smith" famous. Before they rush the passer they played 1st and 2nd down. Now my position has been reduced to one statistics the "Sack". I like expense cars like the next guy, but I also realize while it's nice to go fast, going the legal limit proves to be than the in the long run. 10 years is along time, but keep a close watch its not over yet.

I Will Pay the Price

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 22:02:41 -0500

Many guys will bore you with accounts of their weekends or trips, but I have always come to the yard honestly. And Honestly, I can say I am ready to report for camp and take what's mine. I have never backed down from competition. I have sat down Pro-Bowlers and potential all time greats. I wil "start" this year for my third team and play at a high level, you just need to be ready to see number 94, running out of the tunnel on Game Day, crossing those white lines on Sunday's. I don't think a lot of people know how I approach my job or defend my space on Sunday, but just keeping watching, and stop reading about another athlete's long boring weekend and read the real accounts of someone who is a "Hell of the D-Lineman". Besides most of them don't travel during the week and have no idea how to get a real passport.

Who are the Real Stars?

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 21:07:37 -0500

As I sit at home, just two weeks before my 10th training camp, I remember my first training camp with the Ravens. We had about 13 D-Lineman in camp and I wasn't even on the 3rd team. I had to fight and claw for every play. I remember having to always work harder just to get noticed by my coaches. After all I was a free agent from Howard University. So I understand the long days on the playing fields, and being cut 3 times, but I am tired of being overlooked and the fans being mislead. Football is more than just the 30 second highlight given on Sunday afternoon. Look at the game that happens between the " white lines". I would like to challenge the fans not only to cheer for the stars, but to look hard and see who are the "real players" on your favorite teams. The NFL, for the most part is a League driven by so called stars, but for every star, there are players who give their all on Sunday's, who's efforts are forgotten. I write and bring these issues up because there are others that feel the same, that others are being somewhat mislead. Mislead to think that their teams are only about 3 or 4 players, and they fail to realize that the team has 53 members. Unlike Tennis, Golf, or Track it takes a team to win a football game. But Fans and the Media are constantly being told it's all about the individual. The sport I love and the game you love will never be about, "one". I am excited about my new team and challenges, but at the same time I am also excited about educating the fans to learn more about their teams, and lend a handshake to all, who bare your favorite colors on Sunday.

Why not us!

Sun, 11 May 2008 14:32:32 -0500

I remember being at the training facility in Owings Mills, my rookie year, and feeling as if I were really blessed to have the honor of sharing a my NFL experience with the best athletes in the world. I also remember having the feeling of wanting show my teammates, coaches, and prove to myself that I was supposed to be there. You have to understand, I came from a small school, Howard University. Well known in academics, but small in respects of being an athletic powerhouse. I believe that it is not a right to play professional sports, but it is an honor. A honor that seems to have slipped the minds of some. I look back at some of the all-time greats who played the game, like Deacon Jones and John Randle, and wondered how would they would have dealt with the problems facing the game and communities. I wonder how the social issues that face our communities would be different if, we as professional athletes, would take a stand. A stance that would allow us to lead by example. But currently the example that we have been setting is a disturbing one. I don't know sometimes if I am looking at Sports show, or the Criminal Report of the Day. This is not the example that others have set for us to follow. Sure I can tell you about my day and what I did, but I would much rather share with you some "Food for Thought." And the thought of the day or the week is that we have to change. Change in a way that would allow others to come in and play the game the right way and function in their lives as productive members of society. Athletes used to be revered in the communities and across the world for how the lived their lives, not only during the hours of "the game" but also after the game. If there is one thing I love the most, it is Fall Afternoons playing 60 minutes against an opposing team. But I also love giving back to those same communities where our stadiums are located and residents can't even afford a ticket. What as athletes do we need to do to give back? And what rights do we have? And what as fans are you going to do to give back also.

My Yard is Now Ready

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 07:43:57 -0500

I have been meaning to come by my yard, and see how things were going. It seems like others have been watering their yard, and my yard needed some T.L.C. As many of you know, I now have a new home with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. I am excited to be back closer to my family and friends. San Francisco was very good to me. They have moved on, and I wish them well. I have been training in Florida for the past 3 weeks, and now I am currently training in Charlotte, North Carolina. I must admit, it is nice to be on a team whose focus is winning. So many teams try to win, hope to win, but the Buccaneers are winners. They finished last season in the playoffs and ranked on Defense second in the league. Some might say I moved to one of the best teams in the NFL, and I must agree. The atmosphere at the complex is amazing. From the time you walk in the door, you are treated with "class." The locker rooms, steam rooms, and the weight rooms are awesome. The coaches are young and passionate about every player on the roster. That passion is infectious to everyone. I have also had the chance to spend time in my college town of Washington, D.C. Two weeks ago I received a JB Award for outstanding community service. The award is named after James Brown, current television host who recognizes players for their efforts to impact their communities. It was encouraging to meet and spend time with others who share a love for their communities and others. Many of our stadiums are located in areas of the city, where the residents cannot even afford a ticket to the games. Their NFL Sundays consist of watching us (NFL Players and Fans) drive through the neighborhoods and then leave. It was once said that "Silence can be viewed as Betrayal," to many of us have been silent about the problems in our community. I challenge everyone to not close their eyes, but to open them, to impact the cities our children call their home.

Who wants to see a Real Game?

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 20:58:14 -0500

So many people are getting ready to watch the last game of the year. I wonder how many people want to see a "Real Game." I am talking about one that displays the courage, and heart. The display of athlete's giving their all for the NFL's ultimate prize. I am curious to know how many fans will set and watch on Sunday and really understand the game. Who will really appreciate the 2-yard runs, not just the big throws, or a defense getting a three and out and forcing the offense to kick the ball. Who will admire those few athletes playing on Sunday whose names aren't Brady and Manning. What fan really knows what it feels like to do there jobs so others look good. Who will lay it on the line and fight through pain and injuries. Win the clock strikes midnight, who will be left partying and who will be left to console. I can appreciate just like others a hard-fought game, but I have to ask myself, does the average fan want to see a Real Game or a blowout. Many people can see themselves in the shoes of the Giants, going up against a Mountain, that has turned everyone back, or trying to do something 18 other teams could not. As a professional, I admire the courage it takes to stand up against the odds, after all if you never take a chance you will never know how successful you can be.

Only One Team Wins

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 02:32:53 -0500

I remember growing up as child my parents teaching me the importance of telling the truth and never giving anything but my best. Many times as a child I had to struggle just to show I was worthy of being in a regular class, let alone the football field. As I flashed back and recalled memories of staying up late at night for exams in college, I used to think to myself, what if I were to really give my best by applying myself, I would be inferior to no one. I remember not always knowing what it meant to be mature. I thought when I arrived in San Francisco, it was all about me, and little did I know I would be humbled by the presence of Bryant Young and Larry Allen, two potential Hall of Famers. I had to work hard in college to redeem myself from all the excuses I had used my freshmen year. In order for me to have a chance at redemption first in the classroom, and on the field it came at a price. The price of studying and maturing taught me a lot. And as I am still in the process of maturing today, I have realized that after arguably one of my best seasons in the NFL, I would trade in my personal success any day just so my team would have a crack at success. One of the loneliest feelings a player can have is sitting at home watching the NFL's elite teams battle for the ultimate crown. No matter how much money you have in the bank, or cars in the garage, and diamonds around your neck, you still can't buy your way into the playoffs, nobody's watching what you're driving or wearing because you're not playing. Herman Edwards said it so passionately "We Play to Win the Game" nothing less. Nobody respects those teams that don't make it to the playoffs. For those teams that came up short, they will be drastically changed next year. There will be some team later on this year who will make that change. Some team will close the gap, some group of men will band together and learn that it is not about personal goals, it is all about their team. I could never feel at peace with myself after my team finished at 5-11. Eleven Sundays we as a team did not get it done. I remember when there was a time where I was just happy to be in the NFL, wanting to just make a team and have a good start on in life. Now I want to become the best player that my team needs on game day. Whether that is stoping the run or getting pressure on the quaterback, I am at that point where I have learned that the NFL is no place for indivduals; it's all about the team. Yes, many people will go to the Pro Bowl and rightfully so, but only one team will win in Arizona. Who cares how many tackles or sacks you had if your team looses. There is no doubt in my mind I know the guys in Santa Clara (49ers) want to win, and I hope I'm there to show them I want to win also.

Being Thankful

Sat, 22 Dec 2007 20:46:44 -0500

Many people are currently spending time at their local shopping malls or online, trying to finish up some last minute shopping, so I'll be brief. I've too had my share of standing in line trying to find that one last gift. If there is one thing I love, and that's surprising someone on the 25th with a gift they have always wanted. After spending so many years growing up in a sound household with parents who instilled in me the real meaning of Christmas, it took me along time to really understand. Understand that God has blessed my family and I to be a light for others. While several spend time trying to serenade others with expensive gifts and other objects, most only want the one thing we as athletes have a hard time giving and that's "time". I've always thought that it was easy just to "Write the Check", just tell me how much, and I would try to meet your need. I have lost out big, not taken the chance to understand their true needs, and it has taken me a while to understand that money never really fixes the problem, it just disguise it. But as I've grown, I've learned how to give something much more than just a cash, I've learned how to give them my time. In time, I can try to teach and indoctrinate them like my mother and father taught my brothers and I. I'm no longer engrossed in their "Today", I want others to start thinking about their tomorrow. Because tomorrow will come, whether you are prepared or not. Tomorrow, will have it's own set of challenges. Tomorrow is also where you have to "Man Up"; it's where you can make amends. I've meet so many fans that live and die with our wins and losses, and they don't realize that it's just a game, but what's really important is how you play the game. While our record that stands at 4 wins and 10 losses might not be superlative, but for many of us who cross those white lines on Sunday, we're playing the game with every once of God given talent we have, talent that if you were a true fan you would see. Please don't look at what others say, let's role the film, and you will see the eyes of an veteran that is as dominate in defending the run as "Prime Time" was in stopping pass. I have statistics, but I also have a heart. I'm not going to sell out others for the price of fame. I can't be concerned with what others may say about the 49ers, instead I press toward the "Mark". The mark, as it's pertains to football is the Super Bowl or Pro Bowl, but in life it's being the man that is

The Game Has Changed?

Fri, 14 Dec 2007 01:53:27 -0500

I am sorry for not cutting the grass in my yard early, but I have shown up today to make sure that by the the time I am done it will be well manicured. The respect we seek as professional athletes is not always given. Just like in life, the best things in life come to those who work hard for them. In the NFL sometimes the best athletes go unnoticed. Instead fans are told who they should cheer for, instead of taking the step to really research who they are actually applauding. For example, a D-Lineman I know of in the League, who is currently tied for 2nd when is comes to tackles, 1st in the category of Tackles for Loss, and among the top in total plays by any D-Lineman. But his local fan base still regards him as just an okay player. Where have the real fans gone? No longer are we interested in someone's "production" we like to hear about his "potential". Just because someone can run fast and jump high doesn't make him a candidate for the Pro-Bowl. A good player should be judged by not one statistical category, but by what he totally brings to the game. Many people don't realize a sack is just a tackle for loss on the quarterback. No longer are the days of glorifying the run stoppers, we would rather interview the "prima madonna's". Fans used to be so protective over their teams, they treated their team athletes like family. Fans used to adhere to the code of not wearing anything but their team's color, cheering for their teams in losses or in victory, and players felt safe in their presence. Loyalty has changed in the NFL. Nowadays coaches leave the jobs just as fast as players. Productive players who want to stay and make their teams a winner are sometimes shown the door, because of the "potential" of others. We are taught to give back to our communities and support them at all cost, but what happens when that support is not reciprocated. Once in a while I come across some real fans, who care more about supporting their teams than their fantasy football rating, fans who can not afford to go to the games so they listen on the radio. Fans who will shake your hand and look you in the eyes. Fans who appreciate where you come from (undrafted) and what you bring to the game. The Game has not only changed on the field, but off as well.

My Good Friend.

Wed, 05 Dec 2007 07:26:56 -0500

I have been writing over the past few weeks about topics that have been really important to me. Today I would like to tell everyone about a "Good Friend". I first meet my friend at a very early age. At first I thought I was to young to play with him. I remember watching him on Friday nights at my brother's high school. To hang with him, you had to be pretty brave, because the places and friends he hung around with, were "Bad". I always looked up to my brothers and others, because they had a chance to hang around with him. I would look at him, in distances, and always knew I would one day get my chance to meet him face to face. Before I knew him others had informed me of the price they paid just to befriend him. As I grew up I would see him mostly during the winter. At first I wasn't sure if I wanted to pay that price that so many others had paid before me. It wasn't until I was in High School I finally start making the transition to paying that price. I remember staying after school with one of my firends and his father and he taught us "his" version of how to lift weights. I did not know that paying the price would mean working so hard just to get a chance at being his friend. Later on I realized that by just knowing him a little, it would give me a chance to go on to further my education and attend Howard University. While still keeping him close, he guided me while I was in school to work hard and position myself to get invited to an NFL team as an undrafted free agent. After college he tried his best to go his seperate way, but I insisted that he stay around for a while. He stayed but the cost once again proved to be high. After 2 ACL surgeries on both my knees, a dislocated elbow, and a host of other issuses, he is still around. And as long as I remain loyal to him I will have to pay. The cost of having him around is costly. He just doesn't tolerate being around average people. There are only 1600 people worldwide who activley spend time with him weekly. We fight at times, he humbles me daily, my friend is not shy at all -- you can watch him on Sundays, Mondays, and occassionally Thurdays. After all he's not only my friend, he might be yours also.

The NFL's Loss

Wed, 28 Nov 2007 04:24:13 -0500

I remember returning a little sore to San Jose on Sunday after a long awaited victory over the Cardinals. As I woke up on Monday, to what is known as a "Win" Monday, it soon became clear that the win was short lived. The news hit the locker room that Sean Taylor had been shot. I immediately said a prayer and thought about his family, teammates, and coaches. As I came into work on Tuesday the news spread through the weight room. Sean Taylor had passed and a feeling of disbelief came across my face. I didn't know him, but when your in the NFL you feel like you know everyone. His death made me remember the hot preseason game in August 2005 against the Broncos. In 2005, the 49er family lost a player in the locker room right after the game. It is customary that all teams, win or lose, say the Lord's prayer after the game. As we sat on our knees, clinching one another's hands, one of our teammates never got up. It is a vision I can see still to this day. As I watched the medical staff attend to Thomas I knew he'd get up, but he didn't. The very site of doctors giving CPR to him and trying to revive him seemed, at the time, unreal. There was a moment when the doctors paused, looked at each other, and decided to move him to the hospital. At that point I knew he was dead. That night, the plane ride was emotional, to say the least. I remember trying to hide my face as the coaches came around to check on us because the tears were just falling. I barely knew Thomas. I had only small conversations with him but still I felt like I lost a brother. I also recalled sitting in my townhome in Maryland, and learing of the death of Pat Tillman. I surfed the TV stations to find out more. The more I learned about his untimely death the more the hurt and the emotion took over. I sat on the floor of my basement and once again had to hide my face. Thomas Herion, Sean Taylor, Pat Tillman, Marquis Hill, Darrent Williams, Derrick Thomas, Reggie White and others are gone too early. Someone has to tell their stories. What made these men great were not their skills on Sunday, but how they lived there life Monday through Saturday. These men were fathers, one was a solider, minister, hall of famers, brothers, colleagues, graduates, trail blazers, christians, friends to some, and husbands to their wives. Their position on their former teams have been filled, fans no longer cheer them on, but what can never be forgotten is what made them great off the field to the people that knew them as family. Rest In Peace