Marquise Goodwin

Just because something that you wanted your whole life didn't quite work out as you planned it to - a lot of the times it's not supposed to work out how you want it to - it will grow you as a person and make you better.

I just believe in helping other people.

I pray for everybody throughout the game, even my opponents. Outside of the game, we still have to live life, still have to lead normal lives, and we still need our bodies.

As long as I have the respect and understanding of my teammates, that's all that matters.

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.

No matter what the outcome is, as long as you pray to Him and be genuine - because He knows when you're genuine and when you're not - and maintain the faith, I think things will turn around for you. I know things will turn around for you. And ultimately, you will always be victorious when it's all said and done.

My relationship with my sister is closer than white on rice.

I went and played football so I can support my family like I wanted to. Track has been my real dream, to be an Olympic champion and God gave me another opportunity.

I know I'm a dog. I'm a beast especially when it comes to long jump.

Who am I just to give up on track? This is something I've dreamed about since I was 9 years old, being an Olympic champion.

I led the world the whole year until the trials. I was in Birmingham, U.K. Broke the meet record, had the meet won already, beat the 2012 Olympic champion in long jump that day. It was a big moment. On the last jump, I blew it. Blew my hamstring.

I can't dwell on something that has nothing to do with football at all - it will hold me back.

People outside the organization or outside of football, they don't know how hard it is to win in this league, such a high-caliber athletes and elite group of people competing each week.

I don't want to bring my personal issues to the field during game time. I don't want to take focus from anybody else.

If Deja wasn't my sister, I feel like I would still be motivated but not in the way that I am today. Having a disabled sister, that's a lot more motivation, especially when she tells you growing up that she wishes she can be out there with the kids playing and she wishes she can be out there running around.

To me, no doctor can determine when it's your time to go. God really knows, and He's the only one who can really give you the day. You just have to keep the faith and live the best you can each day.

My father was never really a big part of my life, he ended up passing away a few years ago, my biological father. And the guy I consider my dad, he was incarcerated for a crime he didn't even commit, which is part of the reason I protest.

A lot of people don't even know that about me, I grew up without a father.

I get to see my baby's development. I get to change diapers, I get to be a real father, something that I didn't have growing up.

I haven't quite mapped it out yet, but working out and training is my lifestyle.

I have a lot of things going for me, I try to be a well-rounded role model.

I graduated with a double degree, I speak well, I play two sports at an elite level, I volunteer, I do things the right way - I even got down on my knee to ask my wife to marry me! - and I can't get sponsored? It confuses the hell out of me.

Football has set me up to provide for my family, it has allowed me a better opportunity to do things in my life that track may have not.

I always knew one day fatherhood would be great, I just didn't think it would be this great.