Martin’s son, Marcus, passed away when he was 25 from Pulmonary Embolism. The Marcus Martin Foundation was founded to “inspire, motivate and empower others… one community at a time.” The Foundation sponsors the “Imagery of a Dream” Scholarship, which provides financial assistance to college-bound student athletes. The Foundation also sponsors Free Youth Fundamental Football Camps, Fitness Workout Sessions and Exposure to Movie and Film opportunities, which were passions of Marcus.
“Getting an opportunity to impact our young people on behalf of Marcus, our son, is a wonderful thing,” Martin said.
Official NFL FLAG Leagues are eligible to compete in regional tournaments in all 32 club markets. Winners of regional tournaments can go on to compete in the NFL FLAG Championships in Canton, Ohio, and ESPN will air the top boys’ and girls’ division games.
“The benefits of flag football are you’re getting an opportunity to learn the fundamentals of running, throwing, catching and playing defense,” Martin said. “The key is to get out there, be active and compete. Do something that they probably thought they would never do, and they’re having fun.”
Martin’s Chicago league grew steadily by about 25 kids each season, and he’s confident the Cincinnati league can succeed as well. Martin has reached out to some of his former teammates to assist in the growth of NFL FLAG in Cincinnati as well.
“I know I can make this thing incredible in Cincinnati,” Martin said. “I can blow this thing up, and I can make a huge impact.”
