Thursday, February 12, 2009

Q and A with Marcus Washington (The family man.....)


You might ask why I chose to write a Q and A with Marcus Washington, several reason why I chose Marcus to be on my blog. First he is a member of the 2005 recruiting class, second he is my friend and third he is a leader and a positive role model to his family. What Marcus might not know till he reads this blog is that I look up to Marcus. What people might not know about Marcus is that he is the only married player on the team and has two beautiful children (Marcus Jr. 4 years old and Samira 4 months old). Marcus has more on his plate than any 22 year old I know. He plays collegiate football, a college student and also work a part time job to support his family. When I talk to Marcus his whole focus is his family and how he can be a better provider. Marcus was my roommate back in 2006 before he got married to his lovely wife Selicia, we got real close during that time and became real good friends.


Q. What is your greatest accomplishment in life?

A: Providing for my family and ensuring that my wife and kids don’t need for anything.
Q. How do you balance school, football and work and still spend time with your family?

A: It’s hard but I manage. Whenever I am not involved with school, work, or football I try to spend as much time as possible with them. Especially my son because he looks up to me and says that he wants to be just like me when he grows up and I have to do whatever it takes to be a positive role model for him.
Q. How hard is it to raise a family while in school?

A: It’s pretty hard but it has to be done. It makes you grow up and realize what things are important in life. The well-being of my family is my number one priority. My schooling and football are stepping stools to propel me into an even better position to provide for my family. We are making it by with what little income we have now and it does cause us stress sometimes, but my desire is for that day when we become financially stable enough to own our own home. You know, “The American Dream”!
Q. Who has been the most influential person in your life?

A: My mother. Annette Washington. She instilled a lot of values in me that I still practice today. Honesty, kindness, respect, hard work and the list goes on. She has always worked hard to make sure that I and my siblings have had the necessary things for us to have an enjoyable child hood. I never had any name brand clothes or shoes growing up like all of my friends, but I had clothes and shoes and I was grateful for that. My father has also been an influential character in my life. I have watched him work, work, work, and work more ever since I was a child. He has always been the primary money maker in the home and my mother was the perfect emotional compliment, helping to mold me into the individual I am today.

Q. What advice would you give a teammate that wants to get married while in college?

A: Make sure that is what you both want to do, don’t rush into anything, don’t take the decision making process lightly, expect to be nervous cause it is a huge decision, be prepared to compromise and try new things. If you can’t compromise the marriage will not be enjoyable because you will not always agree with your spouse

Q. What are your pet peeves?

A: I am a pretty laid back guy and there isn’t much that gets under my skin, but I don’t like when people talk about other people behind their backs. If you have a problem with someone just confront them in a respectable manner and let them know.

Q. What is your greatest fear?

A: Besides snakes. Failure, and Failing in life; Failing to be a good man, husband, and provider for my family.
Q. What did you want to be when you were growing up?

A: A professional football player. I wanted to play with one of my best friends; we always said we would be on the same team, the Atlanta Falcons, after we got done with Georgia of course.
Q. What made you choose to attend UGA?

A: It was my childhood dream, and now it is a dream come true.

Q. What is your favorite restaurant to eat in Athens?

A: Sonny’s BBQ pit. The best Barbeque in town!!!! DELICIOUS!!

Q. What's your proudest moment at UGA?

A: Athletically; getting my first career start against Alabama while I was hurt and still managing to get 8 tackles and a sack.

In Life; growing from a boy to a man
Q. Favorite saying or motto?

A: Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”

Boys in the Hood: “Any fool with a penis can make a baby, but only a man can raise a family”

Q. What do you like to do for fun?

A: Play video games, play basketball, spend time with the family

Q. What do you plan on telling your daughter when she starts dating?

A: I would like to meet him and see what his intentions are.

Q. Explain a normal day at the home of the Washington’s?

A: I usually get up go to school, go to workouts/practice, work, come home for dinner watch a little TV before bedtime if time permits. My son, Marcus Jr., likes to play video games with me and I try to do that from time to time when I am not playing myself. The rest of my time is spent with my wife and my newborn baby girl Samira.

30 comments:

  1. Kudos to you Marcus, and thanks Jeff for the blog... I appreciate the insight into the lives of our guys. I wish you all the best and look forward to "Saturday" in Athens.

    Go Dawgs!

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  2. Good luck to Marcus in getting healthy this year. Hopefully both # 95 and # 44 will be in top shape physically because there is no doubt y'all have it together mentally. Go Dawgs!

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  3. I enjoy your blog very much. It makes it that much more enjoyable watching you guys play ball when I know more intimate details about you all. It makes it very easy to cheer you on when you know that the guys on the field are DGDs.

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  4. Keep the interviews comin J.O.! I'm lovin this Blog more everyday! I hope you keep blogging after this season is over with and even after your first round NFL draft pick and keep us posted on how thigs are going!

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  5. Marcus I hope you have a huge year on the field this year. You deserve to go out with a bang. Good luck!

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  6. oh Marcus, you haven't experienced barbeque until you've eaten at Country's in Columbus, GA.

    Another great entry Jeff, keep 'em coming!

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  7. Can't wait to see you back on the field this year Marcus! Sonny's is great but you need to eat at Weaver D's - it's "Automatic"!

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  8. I love that Sonny's is his favorite BBQ... especially since Sonny's started in Gainesville! Gainesville, FLORIDA, that is! It's okay, we Gators love us some Sonny's, too :)

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  9. I love this blog more and more every day! Congrats to Marcus Washington on what appears to be a great family. They are very blessed to have a wonderful husband and father. Can't wait to see you both suited up again in 205 days. Hope the rehab is going well for both of you. Goooo dawgs!

    p.s. If you like BBQ, you need to try Jot Em' Down on Macon Hwy. It's delicious!!

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  10. Awesome interview, best of luck to Marcus in the upcoming season, go dawgs!

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  11. Congratulations on all the wonderful things happening in your family life! I know it is hard going but you sound like you're a great father! It is great to read about the players and get to know a little bit more about them. Good luck both on the field and off!

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  12. I'm a pretty new dad as well, and I've got great respect for any guys who does his duty as a father. But when you throw in football and school as well, this guy's a hero.

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  13. Marcus, we love you in the Dawg Nation, keep working and keep being that role model for you're son and daughter. and Jeffrey, what can i say, we love you too. you are one of my favorite Dawgs. i'm a displaced Dawg fan living in tennessee (horrible, i know). But its great to have a leader like you showing the way for our young pups. Continue to lead by example, and God Bless. Go Dawgs.

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  14. We ABSOLUTELY loved this post and your whole blog. Marcus, My husband and I are trying to finish school as well with a 17 month old and this was very motivational, we don't know how you do it all + football!!! Keep up the good work....GO DAWGS!!! Jeff, thanks for the blog, sometimes we feel a little lost without football season & this is a good way to feed our hunger for football during the off season! LOVE IT!!

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  15. Thanks Jeff for your blog and the profile of Marcus. Can't wait to see you both Between The Hedges in September. Go Dawgs!

    RidgeDawg
    GeorgiaBulldog.com

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  16. I love this blog. Jeff, you have made your teammates more than just a number. I love the Dawgs and I appreciate each of them more as a result of this blog. Good luck, Marcus. Your parents must be very proud of you. I know I am. By the way, the best barbecue can be found at Sticky Fingers.

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  17. wow, he has a full plate and still manages to be a great leader to his teammates and his family. kudos to you marcus!

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  18. I'm loving the player profiles Jeff. Please keep them coming. Like JWP said, it'll be a lot more fun watching everyone run around the field knowing a little more about them. It brings fans closer to the game. Also, it reminds us of how much you guys have on your plate and that we shouldn't be so upset when Georgia loses a game. These are basically kids (turning into men) playing a game, trying to get an education, and in some cases trying to raise a family.. Thank you for putting "Saturdays" in perspective

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  19. Marcus you are an outstanding linebacker! My brother and I have recently talked about you being key in that Bama win 2 years back. You definitely have what it takes for the next level. I look forward to you and Jeff being physical and spiritual leaders for 09!

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  20. You two are a tribute to our Alma Mater. Keep it up.

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  21. JO - your attitude and committment are truly inspirational. I pray for you and your teammate's safety and that your SEC career ends chasing down QB's in the dome just like you took care of Jam Russell in '05!

    FYI - if Marc is talking about Sonny's the chain BBQ restaurant, he should know that it is owned by a prominent Gator booster!

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  22. JO-pretty smart for Junkyard Dawg.

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  23. Hey Jeff, I've been coming to Pix Fan Day every year since '01 and I'm tired of seeing your ugly face: ) heehee.. jusk kidding bra. I'm glad you're back, we need a vocal leader like yourself to riled up the guys when we have a bad day. Nice piece on Marcus, btw. Sounds like he's a great person and good father/husband. I wish you both the best on your recoveries. Keep'em blogs coming.. this is awesome!

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  24. GO DAWGS!!!! This is great stuff, Jeff.

    Being married in school is tough. Raising a family is even more tough. Much respect.

    I missed seeing you and Marcus in the lineup last year. The big guys will be back! Knock those Gators out cold! COLD!

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  25. Jeff this is great. I can't even express how proud I am of Marcus. Reading what he had to say makes me feel real good inside. Marcus is a REAL MAN, doing what has to be done to take care of his family. I really look forward to seeing both of you leading our defense this year!! GO Dawgs!! GATA!

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  26. Marcus Washington was a solid LB in 2007, and he was playing through injuries. If he can be healthy this year, the Dawgs are going to have the SEC's best group of LB's. Marcus, you've got one more year to do something special; go out there and make sure the Dawg fans won't ever forget your name!

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  27. hey marcus if you wanna try some real good BBQ try Jot em downs on macon highway you'll love it but other than that it has been a pleasure to watch both you and jeff wear the red and black and I look forward to seeing both of you tear it up this season. Best wishes, James Harvey

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  28. Great interview. Jeff you have a knack for asking questions that are both interesting and fun. Keep the interviews coming.

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  29. This is an awesome interview and an amazing blog. 'Preshate what you are doing here! Major fan of yours here...thanks for taking the time last June to let my buddies snap a picture of me with ya...and showing them how to use an iPhone's camera.

    God Bless, best wishes on your recovery and we can't wait to see you again 'tween the Hedges!!

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  30. Great blog. Great interview. Great interviewee. But Sonny's? Is chain BBQ the best he can do? J/K. My husband told me about your blog so I wanted to check it out. You write some great stuff...and you use the same template as me!

    I look forward to following you.

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