Marcus Jones, the former University of Houston football player who has made a name for himself as an elusive wide receiver in the NFL, reflects on his incredible journey to the Super Bowl.
Jones' path to the big game was anything but straightforward. He spent four years honing his craft at UH, where he developed a reputation for being one of the most dynamic players on the field. Despite NCAA rules requiring him to sit out for a year after transferring from Troy University, Jones used that time to refine his skills and prepare himself for life beyond college football.
His breakout moment came in 2021 when he took it to the house at Gillette Stadium, leading UH to a stunning upset over undefeated SMU. "All I did was follow my blockers, and I see a kicker, and I was just like, 'I can't get tackled by the kicker,'" Jones recalled with a grin.
Jones' dedication to his craft paid off in 2022 when he was drafted by the Patriots in the third round. Though it was a long shot for a player from a smaller program like UH, Jones proved himself to be a valuable asset to his new team.
Now, as he prepares to take on the best players in the NFL, Jones remains true to his roots. "Like, I don't know how my life would have been if I hadn't gone to UH," he said with a smile. "So, you know, my main thing is, I'm definitely thankful for them."
For Jones, there's no greater reward than seeing the pride and joy on the faces of his former teammates and coaches when they hear him talk about his accomplishments. His journey from the small town of Houston to the Super Bowl stage is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and a willingness to follow your dreams.
As for Jones' thoughts on what it takes to succeed at this level? "It's all about being hungry," he said simply. "You have to want it more than anyone else."
Jones' path to the big game was anything but straightforward. He spent four years honing his craft at UH, where he developed a reputation for being one of the most dynamic players on the field. Despite NCAA rules requiring him to sit out for a year after transferring from Troy University, Jones used that time to refine his skills and prepare himself for life beyond college football.
His breakout moment came in 2021 when he took it to the house at Gillette Stadium, leading UH to a stunning upset over undefeated SMU. "All I did was follow my blockers, and I see a kicker, and I was just like, 'I can't get tackled by the kicker,'" Jones recalled with a grin.
Jones' dedication to his craft paid off in 2022 when he was drafted by the Patriots in the third round. Though it was a long shot for a player from a smaller program like UH, Jones proved himself to be a valuable asset to his new team.
Now, as he prepares to take on the best players in the NFL, Jones remains true to his roots. "Like, I don't know how my life would have been if I hadn't gone to UH," he said with a smile. "So, you know, my main thing is, I'm definitely thankful for them."
For Jones, there's no greater reward than seeing the pride and joy on the faces of his former teammates and coaches when they hear him talk about his accomplishments. His journey from the small town of Houston to the Super Bowl stage is a testament to the power of hard work, determination, and a willingness to follow your dreams.
As for Jones' thoughts on what it takes to succeed at this level? "It's all about being hungry," he said simply. "You have to want it more than anyone else."