A long but interesting article: "Understanding Brandon Marshall"

It's a long article but it is excellent in giving a picture of Brandon Marshall. I hope Brandon has success in getting his life "right" going forward. But it sounds like he has a lot of "past" to escape. It is a miracle (truly) when a person with his past can get his life together.

If you are a person who prays for people, Brandon would be a good one to keep in your prayers.

Quote:

LINK to the article
Understanding Brandon Marshall

By Jared S. Hopkins, Chicago Tribune reporter 9:21 p.m. CDT, June 23, 2012

The call comes from an unknown number. I pick up and hear an unfamiliar voice.

"This is Brandon Marshall. ... I understand you're trying to find out some information about me."

Marshall and I keep talking. A few minutes later, his tone changes. He abruptly invites me to live with him at his home in Florida for a few days. "I'll even pick you up at the airport."

I pause. Is he serious?

"You want to understand me? Come and stay with me."

Marshall — the biggest, and riskiest, addition to the Bears this offseason — had heard from his inner circle that I recently roamed the streets of his childhood neighborhood in Pittsburgh. He says my presence sparked excitement, also concern.

Depending on your outlook, Marshall is either a brooding basket case prone to finding trouble or a terrific yet misunderstood athlete who needs proper guidance. Are the Bears — his third team in four seasons — his last chance? Can the patterns of his life be broken?

Amazing read, great article. It's real rare that a journalist acutally tries this hard anymore; or that they are allowed that type of access. Thanks for the find.

worthless football stat of the night; no chicago wr has had 100 rec's....Marshall has the last 3 years 1 of 4 in nfl history. If he can keep his life in order, and those bounderies set he's going to make a great addition to Chicago on and off the field.

GREAT READ !
Thanks for the link.

Very good and fair piece, but I kinda felt that he was being too aggressive (in his questioning) with someone who may possibly be on edge with someone they're not familiar with. Yeah, Brandon Marshall has a mental illness, but that's no reason to keep pestering him with questions when the topic is not one he's comfortable discussing.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Henry Burris

Very good and fair piece, but I kinda felt that he was being too aggressive (in his questioning) with someone who may possibly be on edge with someone they're not familiar with. Yeah, Brandon Marshall has a mental illness, but that's no reason to keep pestering him with questions when the topic is not one he's comfortable discussing.

Henry, that was my thinking too. My own family history is a bit spotty (nothing like Marshall's, but we do have our own skeletons in the closet), and I'd have a hard time if someone was aggressive in questioning me about my family like that. I understand he's a public figure. But it would be hard to re-visit some of those memories. It would be emotional, and I like to keep that stuff private.

But the article did give great insight into why Brandon has major obstacles to overcome emotionally. Man, I'm pulling for him to get his life in order here in Chicago. I'll bet some of the veterans on the team will help him too.

I've seen some comments that the author came off aggressive or being a jerk....but Marshall knew the guy was trying to dig into his past and this is what great writers do, they keep digging and digging and digging. Maybe he could have gone about it better, or maybe he could have shown Marhsall some of what his article was going to look like.

I think some of the specific questions; like what does he remember about the fight in the car was out of line and Marshall brought up a valid point, but the overall article was REALLY well done. It reminded me a lot of the WP book that just came out last year.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Riczaj01

I've seen some comments that the author came off aggressive or being a jerk....but Marshall knew the guy was trying to dig into his past and this is what great writers do, they keep digging and digging and digging. Maybe he could have gone about it better, or maybe he could have shown Marhsall some of what his article was going to look like.

I think some of the specific questions; like what does he remember about the fight in the car was out of line and Marshall brought up a valid point, but the overall article was REALLY well done. It reminded me a lot of the WP book that just came out last year.

I agree with that, but I still have empathy for Marshall - simply because it would be emotionally difficult to have to re-visit those memories about his dad, family and past failings. I see the journalism aspect, but also see the human impact too.

Either way, it is interesting that Brandon allowed this guy to do this. It's almost like he wants people to understand him more based on his past - but it was too hard for him to completely open up about a lot of stuff.

I think Marshall was hoping to direct the article from his past to his current. And I think he did his best job to direct it but the journalist wasn't interested; and that was the journalists biggest mistake. He couldn't see the amazing article he could have written by getting to know Marshal and who he is now. And then after that he might have been able to get into that deeper story. That was his real injustice to Marshal.

It was still an amazingly well written piece, he didn't try and destroy anyone in the family, merely stated the facts and then wrote what he could about how it correlated to Marshal's life.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Riczaj01

I think Marshall was hoping to direct the article from his past to his current. And I think he did his best job to direct it but the journalist wasn't interested; and that was the journalists biggest mistake. He couldn't see the amazing article he could have written by getting to know Marshal and who he is now. And then after that he might have been able to get into that deeper story. That was his real injustice to Marshal.

It was still an amazingly well written piece, he didn't try and destroy anyone in the family, merely stated the facts and then wrote what he could about how it correlated to Marshal's life.

You hit the nail on the head. Great way to put it.

http://www.csnchicago.com/blog/bears...4&feedID=10330

By Ryan Thomas
CSNChicago.com

Will Brandon Marshall ever be understood? After constant run-ins with the law, troubled by his behavioral conduct off the field, the promising young superstar was given another chance by the Chicago Bears this off-season.
Diagnosed with borderline personality disorder that evokes impulsive behavior and emotional instability, Marshall is working rather hard to repair his often scrutinized image.

After six seasons of mishaps, Marshall appears to be working towards a clean state. One of the first steps taken on a long journey to recovery was an invitation into his Florida residence, made to Chicago Tribune reporter, Jared S. Hopkins.
"Depending on your outlook, Marshall is either a brooding basket case prone to finding trouble or a terrific yet misunderstood athlete who needs proper guidance," says Hopkins.

Many look to Marshall's upbringing as a possible source for his many struggles. Since the age of three, Marshall has seen examples of domestic violence through the actions of his father, who was also a spectacular high school football athlete, troubled off the field. But Marshall is not one to make excuses. He prefers to salvage the relationship he has with his father, and move towards a more progressive direction.

“That’s not productive to the healing processes for my father and my relationship,” Marshall said in the Tribune article. “And that’s more important than a good story and people understanding me.”

While Marshall allowed for Hopkins to stay at his residence for a few days and observe the way he interacts with his wife, and lives on a daily basis, he did not answer any personal questions. The former Pro Bowl receiver has taken a stance where he would like to have his present actions judged, as opposed to the perception of his dim past.
"I want you to observe me for who I am," Marshall said. "There is a perception out there that is unfair, and there really is another side that I think will help your story."

With that said, Bears fans are expecting a productive season on the field from Marshall.
But, what are they in-store for off the field?

Nice summerization for those that didn't want to read 6 pages on Marshal.
BTW I was not one that liked this trade originally. I'm not a fan of the Diva WR, but the more I've heard from him(he and his wife after the last instance said no more bars) and read about him(this article) I really am glad we signed him; his on field talent could never be questioned but his off the field life left a lot to be desired. Seems like he really has grown up a lot in the past few years/mo's. And knows his boundries a lot better now.