Marquise Goodwin

Marquise Goodwin – Life, Career, and Memorable Words

Marquise Goodwin (born November 19, 1990) is an American football wide receiver and former Olympic long jumper. His story blends elite track success, NFL achievements, personal tragedy, and faith. Explore his life, career, and notable quotes here.

Introduction

Marquise Derell Goodwin is an American athlete who has excelled in two demanding arenas: track & field (specifically the long jump) and professional football. Born on November 19, 1990, Goodwin’s journey is one of speed, resilience, faith, and determination. His dual-sport success, personal trials, and philosophy offer a rich narrative about ambition, identity, and legacy.

Early Life and Family

Marquise Goodwin was born in Lubbock, Texas, and later raised in Rowlett, Texas. Rowlett High School, where he competed in both football and track & field, distinguishing himself in the long jump, triple jump, sprints, and on the gridiron.

In high school, Goodwin won multiple state track titles in Texas Class 5A, and in one season had the second fastest 100-meter time in the state (10.24 seconds, wind-aided).

He grew up with three sisters: Deja, Brye, and Shay.

Youth and Development

Goodwin accepted an athletic scholarship to the University of Texas at Austin, where he competed on both the Longhorns’ football team and their track & field squad.

In football, he played in 49 games over his collegiate career, starting 21. His totals include over 100 receptions, more than 1,200 receiving yards, some rushing contributions, and return yardage. Alamo Bowl, he rushed for 64 yards and scored a game-winning touchdown pass reception—earning the game’s Offensive MVP distinction.

At the 2012 U.S. Olympic Trials, Goodwin leapt 8.33 m (≈ 27 ft 4 in), a mark that would have been gold-winning in many Olympic contests, though in the Olympic final he placed 10th.

Career and Achievements

Entry to the NFL & Buffalo Bills

Goodwin entered the NFL when the Buffalo Bills selected him in the 3rd round, 78th overall, in the 2013 NFL Draft.

In his rookie year, Goodwin played in 12 games, recorded 17 receptions for 283 receiving yards, and also returned kickoffs.

San Francisco 49ers and Notable Performances

In March 2017, Goodwin signed with the San Francisco 49ers. 56 catches, 962 yards, and two touchdowns.

One particularly poignant moment came in November 2017: Goodwin caught an 83-yard touchdown, then passionately celebrated—blowing a kiss to the sky and kneeling in prayer. That same day, he and his wife had suffered the loss of their prematurely born son due to pregnancy complications.

In March 2018, the 49ers extended his contract (three years, $20.3 million).

His 2019 season was cut short when he was placed on injured reserve.

Later Years & Transitions

In 2020, Goodwin was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles. He opted out of the 2020 NFL season due to COVID-19 to focus on family.

In 2021, he reverted to the 49ers (per trade clause) but was released the same day. Chicago Bears, finishing that season with 20 receptions for 313 yards and one touchdown.

In 2022, Goodwin signed with the Seattle Seahawks, where he had some successful games (e.g. two receiving touchdowns in a win vs. the Chargers).

In 2023, he signed with the Cleveland Browns. During the offseason, he was diagnosed with blood clots in his legs and lungs, but was expected to recover.

Over his NFL career (as of latest), his stats include 191 receptions, 3,090 receiving yards, and 18 receiving touchdowns.

On the track side, Goodwin has competed internationally—including the 2008 World Juniors, the 2011 World Championships, the 2012 Olympics, and the 2015 Pan American Games (where he won silver in the long jump).

He also won the George Halas Award in 2018 (often given for overcoming adversity).

Historical Context & Milestones

• Goodwin is part of a rare group of two-sport athletes who competed at the Olympic level and played in the NFL.

• His 8.33 m jump in 2012 placed him among the top long jumpers in the U.S. and globally.

• The touchdown in 2017 that followed the loss of his son became an emotional and symbolic moment in NFL and sports media circles.

• His decision to opt out of the 2020 NFL season highlights how athletes weigh family and health against professional demands.

Legacy and Influence

Marquise Goodwin’s legacy is multifaceted:

• Versatility & excellence: He showed that an elite jumper can parlay that athleticism into being an NFL receiver.

• Resilience in adversity: He faced injuries, loss of a child, and health scares (blood clots), yet continued to pursue performance and purpose.

• Athlete as role model: Many admire his faith, family focus, and how he handles triumphs and tragedies publicly.

• Inspiration for dual-career athletes: For young athletes considering multiple sports, his example shows what is possible (though extremely challenging).

Personality, Traits & Motivations

Goodwin is vocal about faith, family, and mindset. In interviews and through quotes, he often returns to themes of believing in God, staying genuine, putting family first, and focusing on what one can control.

He also emphasizes work ethic, discipline, and integrity:

“I hate missing practice and games, not being out here.” “If you have to cheat to win, it doesn’t mean as much as if you did it on natural abilities and hard work.” “With faith you can do anything and with love you can do even more.” “I only know what I can control — my work, my effort.” (paraphrase theme from his public remarks)

He also sees himself as more than just speed or jumping ability:

“I’m not limited to running or jumping or catching footballs.”

His motivation often stretches beyond self: he cites his sister Deja’s perspective, family needs, and the desire to be a role model.

Lessons from Marquise Goodwin

1. Diversify your skills & passions
   Goodwin’s success in both track and football shows that developing across domains can open multiple pathways.

2. Adversity doesn’t define you—your response does
   He turned grief (loss of a child), injuries, and health challenges into fuel rather than excuses.

3. Focus on what you can control
   In sports or life, circumstances will fluctuate, but effort, mindset, and integrity remain in your hands.

4. Faith and purpose can sustain through storms
   For Goodwin, his spiritual foundation is more than a talking point—it’s central to how he endures.

5. Legacy is more than stats
   His story will be remembered for moments of courage, faith, and humanity, not merely numbers.

Conclusion

Marquise Goodwin’s life is a compelling weave of athletic ambition, heartbreak, perseverance, and faith. He has climbed from a high school standout in Texas to Olympian jumper and NFL receiver, while navigating setbacks and deeply personal trials. His legacy is still evolving, but it already offers a portrait of a person striving to excel—on the field, over the sand pit, and within the heart.