I recently went one-on-one with former NFL offensive lineman Marques Ogden.
Adam: Thanks again for taking the time to share your advice. First things first, though, I am sure readers would love to learn more about you. How did you get here? What experiences, failures, setbacks, or challenges have been most instrumental to your growth?
Marques: My journey has been anything but linear. I went from the NFL to bankruptcy and cleaning toilets for $8 an hour. I had built a multi-million dollar construction firm after football, but I lost it all because of ego, lack of mentorship, and poor leadership. Hitting rock bottom forced me to confront who I really was not just as a professional, but as a man. That failure taught me more about leadership and resilience than any success ever could.
Adam: What is the most surprising thing about life in professional sports? What is something that would shock fans?
Marques: Most fans don’t realize how unstable and cutthroat life in the NFL can be. One day you’re on the roster, the next you’re cut. It’s a business period. Behind the scenes, the pressure is immense, and the mental health toll is real. The physical pain is expected, but the emotional toll surprises most outsiders.
Adam: What are the best lessons you have learned through your career in football that are applicable to those of us who will never earn a living playing sports?
Marques: First, discipline beats talent when talent lacks discipline. Second, preparation is everything. And third, your ability to bounce back from setbacks defines your long-term success. In football and life, you will get knocked down. What matters most is how you respond.
Adam: Who is the best teammate you ever had and why? What are the characteristics of a great teammate?
Marques: One of the best teammates I ever had was Jonathan Ogden, my older brother and a Hall of Fame left tackle. What made him great wasn’t just his talent, but his humility, consistency, and the way he made others around him better. A great teammate is someone who shows up, puts the team first, and leads by example.
Adam: Who are the greatest leaders you have played for and with and why? What do you believe are the defining qualities of a great leader?
Marques: Ray Lewis stands out immediately. He inspired through action and passion. You never questioned his commitment to the team. Great leaders possess vision, communicate with clarity, and act with integrity even when no one’s watching.
Adam: What are your three best tips applicable to leaders and aspiring leaders?
Marques:
- Lead with authenticity, people follow real, not perfect.
- Own your mistakes; accountability builds trust.
- Prioritize people, invest in your team, and you’ll see long-term results.
Adam: What is the single best piece of advice you have ever received?
Marques: My father once told me, “Be careful of the company you keep who you surround yourself with determines who you become.” That wisdom still guides my personal and professional life.
Adam: What can anyone do to pay it forward?
Marques: Share your story, especially the parts that hurt. There’s power in vulnerability, and when you open up, you give others permission to heal and grow. Also, mentor someone. We all had help getting where we are, and we owe it to others to give that back.
Adam: Is there anything else you would like to share?
Marques: I just want people to remember this: Adversity is not your enemy, it’s your greatest teacher. Embrace the struggle, because that’s where the growth happens.
