EP75: F. I. O. with Marshall Roberts, Assistant AD, Liberty University, Ultramarathoner and Former Pro and D1 Football Coach and Player

Becoming UnDone with Toby Brooks

About the Guest(s):

Marshall Roberts is a former professional football player and coach, known for his electrifying performance as a punt returner and a four-year starter at Rutgers University, where he became the all-time leader in punt return yards. His professional career spanned several seasons, playing in both the Canadian and Arena Football Leagues. Roberts also has coaching experience, with notable stints in NFL Europe with the Frankfurt Galaxy and the NFL's Pittsburgh Steelers. Today, he serves as the Assistant Athletics Director for Alumni Engagement at Liberty University, where he works to maintain strong connections with sports alumni and oversees the Hall of Fame selection process. He's also an accomplished ultra-endurance athlete, embarking on challenges that push the limits of his athletic prowess.

Episode Summary:

In this inspiring episode of "Becoming UnDone," host Toby Brooks invites former professional football player and ultra-endurance athlete Marshall Roberts to share the invaluable lessons he has learned throughout his dynamic career. The discussion delves into Marshall's identity beyond the sports realm, his reflective journey to becoming an athletics administrator, and the life-changing mentors he's encountered along the way.

Marshall recounts his collegiate days at Rutgers, his time as a professional athlete, and the pivotal moment he decided to transition from the field to coaching and, later on, administrative roles. A deep connection to his faith and the critical introspective question of where one's true identity lies punctuates the conversation. As Marshall navigates through the highs and lows, his growth from athletic endeavors to God's work underscores the episode. His current role as an assistant AD for alumni engagement at Liberty University showcases how he uses his athletic background to inspire and connect with others.

Key Takeaways:

• Marshall emphasizes the importance of grounding one's identity beyond sports, delving into how faith, family, and football have shaped his journey.
• The transition from athlete to coach and administrator can offer new perspectives on leadership, resilience, and the affirmation of one's path.
• Reflections on coaching methodologies highlight the merits of positivity and individualized mentorship in athlete development.
• Regular introspection and being intentional with time and relationships are key themes, especially in the context of family and career.
• The pursuit of challenging personal goals, such as completing ultra-endurance races, remains a testament to Roberts' lifelong commitment to pushing boundaries.

Notable Quotes:

• "I think that was the biggest thing I learned through sport, was to take the highs when you have the highs and take the lows when you have the lows."
• "But when you walk away and that player tag or that coaching tag goes away, where does your identity truly lie?"
• "I don't have to coach like other people coached me. I can coach in my same personality and get my point across without using words that other people use."
• "I walked away from the game on my own terms. So as a coach, I never had that bitterness as I would help friends through their transition."
• "You are the company you keep."

Support the show

Becoming Undone is a NiTROHype Creative production. Written and produced by me, Toby Brooks. If you or someone you know has a story of resilience and victory to share for Becoming Undone, contact me at undonepodcast.com. Follow the show on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn at becomingundonepod and follow me at TobyJBrooks. Listen, subscribe, and leave us a review Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.