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Home > Blogs > Big C's NFL Blitz > Archives > 2010 > March > 25 > Entry
Former Ohio State LB Freeman’s NFL dreams cut short
Huber Heights native and former Ohio State linebacker Marcus Freeman had a lifelong dream of playing in the NFL. The dream became somewhat of a reality when he was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the fifth round of the 2009 draft.
Freeman saw action in all four preseason games with the Bears, but was waived before the start of the regular season. He was later signed to the Buffalo Bills practice squad and ended up finishing the season on the Houston Texans practice squad.
The linebacker drew considerable interest from teams once the season was over and decided to sign with the Indianapolis Colts. It was at that time Freeman learned he would never play football again. Freeman went in for a physical in early February and was diagnosed by a Colts team physician as having an enlarged heart valve.
“It was hard to hear that football was being taken away, but life is much bigger than that for me,” Freeman said in a phone interview on Wednesday. “Sooner or later you’re going to be done. I have enjoyed playing the game since I was six years old. Even though I can’t play anymore I still have a love and a passion for it. I’ll just turn the page to the next chapter in my life.”
Freeman went on to say that he was told no team would pass him with his medical condition. He said he was thankful the doctors caught it before something tragic happened.
The former Wayne High School star hoped for a career of longevity in the league but it all came to an abrupt halt with the news. Freeman has indeed turned the page to the next chapter in his life. He married his college sweetheart, Joanna Freeman, on Feb. 20. The two are the proud parents of 2 ½-year old Vincent Freeman, a.k.a Buddy.
Although Freeman’s playing days are over, he hasn’t strayed far from the game. He’s trading in his uniform for the infamous Tressel sweater vest. Freeman will work as an undergraduate assistant on the Buckeyes football coaching staff this season.
“Coach (Jim) Tressel gave me the opportunity to be on the staff,” Freeman said. “It’s a lot different than playing, but it’s exciting because it gives me the chance to stay close to football. You feel like you’re a part of the team since playing football was taken away from me so quickly. Hopefully, one day I can become a coach.”
Despite having three knee surgeries in college, Freeman had a productive playing career while at Ohio State. He’s three classes away from obtaining his master’s degree in sports management and has no regrets.
“I think you have to find the positive in everything,” Freeman said. “God has a plan for everybody and this was his plan for me. You can’t have football as the head of your life because that can be taken away at any moment. My family and religion definitely comes first in my life. I can still be successful without playing the game. I’m excited and motivated about starting my new life.”
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Comments
By bengalsin10
March 26, 2010 5:48 AM | Link to this
What a stand up guy! Thank you Marcus for all that you’ve done for this community. You’ll always be a Buckeye in my book!
By NfamousWayneFan
March 26, 2010 7:01 AM | Link to this
Marcus is a great guy! Sad to see his football playing days are over. But I am glad that he didn’t waste his time at Ohio State. Marcus have you thought about taking Jay’s job at Wayne. :D
By Tim
March 26, 2010 7:44 AM | Link to this
May God Bless Marcus and his family. What a great guy!
By purplenova
March 26, 2010 8:26 AM | Link to this
Marcus, it was a pleasure watching you at “The Ohio State University” and at Wayne. Hope to see you on the sidelines at Wayne this year…
By Football In Ohio
March 26, 2010 8:53 AM | Link to this
Thanks for the article. Marcus Freeman lived the dream and I’m glad the Colt’s medical staff discovered his medical condition possibly preventing a tragedy. Congrats to Marcus for his accomplishements. Many young men will reap the benefit of Marcus Freeman mentoring as a coach. Go Bucks! Football in Ohio
By Northwestern Parent
March 26, 2010 9:33 AM | Link to this
Marcus twice visited the football camps at NWHS (once with Dee Miller another with James Laurinitis)in his offseason and ran drills and spoke with the kids. What a natural leader he is and he was right on point with his message about hitting the books and being a good role model. My son is a lifelong fan, whether or not he’s suited up on Sundays. He’ll do more good and impact more lives in this newest chapter of his life. Good luck, Marcus.
By Fan of Freeman
March 26, 2010 9:57 AM | Link to this
Even better for Marcus than being a great football player he is a great human being. When he had the opportunity he would alwasy come back to his pee wee football roots and speak to the kids of the HHYFC of which I coached. The kids were in awe of him and hung on every word. It wasn’t something he had to do but something he wanted to do. I will never for get him for that reason. And some great moments at OSU. Thanks Marcus and good luck to you and your family.
By Randy
March 26, 2010 10:04 AM | Link to this
What a positive and real view of life. Marcaus you are a credit to the athletic arena. God is please that you keep him first, therefore claim the good life he has planned for you. I’m sure your family members are proud of you. Your outlook will be inspiring to more than you will ever know. We all have dreams but the life God has for us is more fruitful than any dream we could ever have. God has already begun to use you in his own way. I am excited for you!
By Dave
March 26, 2010 10:31 AM | Link to this
Wow, that’s too bad! Too bad you went to OSU for school. Now you will have to find a school to get a good education.
By Big Man
March 26, 2010 11:04 AM | Link to this
Dave, you are a jerk. Why can’t you stick to the story of a wonder and brave human being. No you have to put your two cents worth of bashing of OSU into a story that is and will be an inspiration to many people. What school did you attend. It must have been one with no class, because they taught you well with your no class statement. Two suggestions for you, find the Lord and get some class before you open your mouth about something you know nothing about. Go OSU and good luck to Marcus. God does have you in His plans for good works. God bless You Marcus.
By FreemanFan
March 26, 2010 11:09 AM | Link to this
Congrats to Marcus, not just for what we accomplished on the field but for the man he’s become. Congrats on the job with the Buckeyes and for your outlook. God bless you, sir!
By null
March 26, 2010 11:23 AM | Link to this
“Dave” is what is wrong with America today. Look for the good in people, lift them up, help out.
By Mike
March 26, 2010 11:25 AM | Link to this
Dave - What a jerk and big loser you are. Marcus is a smart young man. He went to a great university, is getting a great education, and will be very successful in life, unlike Dave The Loser. Marcus, all your fans are looking forward to seeing you as a coach and one day being an Athletic Director. I’ll be watching for you in your hometown. I always enjoy meeting you and talking with you and your brother, Mike. God Bless You !!!
By Everett
March 26, 2010 11:33 AM | Link to this
Folks, it does no good to tell a fool, Dave, they’re stupid! Stay strong Marcus!
By F E.
March 26, 2010 11:57 AM | Link to this
Super player and fine young man,God has a plan! Be patient and wait on him!
By Pragmatic
March 26, 2010 12:01 PM | Link to this
i foolishly thought i would read a blog here that was nothing but positive…that was until Dave’s incredibly ignorant statement.
By Wayne Mom
March 26, 2010 12:13 PM | Link to this
Thank you Marcus!! You are one of a kind. Marcus came to a saturday Wayne football game after OSU played and mingled with all the kids and gave authographs. We need more Marcus Freeman’s. Good luck at your new job.
By Trump
March 26, 2010 12:15 PM | Link to this
Good Luck to you Buddy!
By dave from dayton
March 26, 2010 1:23 PM | Link to this
Sad news, but I’m sure Marcus will be sucessful in whatever he decides to do. Played against him when he went to Wayne, classy guy. Best of luck in all, enjoyed watching you play also.
By texasbuckeye
March 26, 2010 3:43 PM | Link to this
Marcus- Your positive outlook on your future despite these recent developments reflects the foundation of your strong faith in God. Kudos to Tressel and the coaching staff for offering Marcus the opportunity to stay connected to the game of football.
By Buckeye
March 27, 2010 9:32 AM | Link to this
Shouldn’t he have gotten married before having a baby?
By MacWarrior
March 27, 2010 9:54 AM | Link to this
My family and I are deeply saddened to hear about Marcus’s medical condition which takes him out as a player in the NFL. But we look forward to greater things by Marcus. I watched Marcus grow through H.S. and college football and for those that know him know that he is a very special person both on and off the field. He has always been great with the community and kids in Huber Heights when he would make visits to the HHYFC program and Coach Minton’s football camps which he and other players would visit. My family and I are VERY PROUD to know Marcus and to call him a friend and we appreciate his commitment to God and Family. God Bless to Marcus and his family. And God does have bigger plans for Marcus and his family. Isaiah 40:31
By chris
March 27, 2010 10:48 AM | Link to this
Dave you are a d-bag!
By valerie
March 27, 2010 11:35 AM | Link to this
Good luck to Marcus in his “new” job. Glad to see he is on his way to getting his Masters. Reading all the posts, Marcus was not only a great Buckeye football player but a great person.
By valerie
March 27, 2010 11:36 AM | Link to this
Good luck to Marcus in his “new” job. Glad to see he is on his way to getting his Masters. Reading all the posts, Marcus was not only a great Buckeye football player but a great person.
By valerie
March 27, 2010 11:37 AM | Link to this
Good luck to Marcus in his “new” job. Glad to see he is on his way to getting his Masters. Reading all the posts, Marcus was not only a great Buckeye football player but a great person.
By Not Dave
March 27, 2010 7:29 PM | Link to this
So where did you go to college “Dave”? Ivy league? Big twelve school? Pac Ten? Do tell.
By Ritchie
March 29, 2010 9:15 PM | Link to this
We’re proud of you Marcus as always. Thanks for all the great Wayne games and Buckeye games! God’s blessings to you, your wife and Bria and Vinney. We’re glad Tressel knows a brave heart when he sees one. Love, Joel, Diana,Paige and Taylor!
By seo lace
May 2, 2010 8:59 PM | Link to this
I amm having a heol of a fime sering your page in SeaMonkey 1.5, I juts htought I wopuild let you know!