January 11, 2010
Anyone who has scanned the pages of Esquire magazine has no doubt read the distinctive interview pieces titled What I’ve Learned which give the reader a unique perspective on actors, musicians, politicians, athletes and anyone else who has attained some degree of fame.
With that in mind, we’d be hard pressed to find a better candidate for our first According to... feature than the thought-provoking Dante Marsh who came to the BC Lions in 2004 and has become a staple in the Leos defensive backfield. Born and raised in Oakland, California, the articulate and thoughtful father of two has overcome a number of obstacles to become a two-time West Division All-Star and a CFL All-Star in 2008.
Last season, Dante rolled up another 68 tackles and two interceptions and was set to do even more damage in the East Final when a running play to his side of the field not only resulted in an 18-yard gain for the Alouettes, but left the veteran with a torn MCL in his knee. Hard at work getting ready for training camp, the Fresno State grad took a few minutes out of his busy schedule to tell us a bit more about himself.
He was given either a single word or a few words to ponder (the bolded ones) – the rest is all Dante.
Football teaches a person how to deal with adversity, how to work with a bunch of guys from different places, ethnicities and backgrounds and come together for one common goal: to win.
Championships are the ultimate prize in any sport. It’s the whole reason we train hard, eat right and deny ourselves certain things - it's why we sacrifice.
I have never wanted to be average. I have always been someone who has wanted to be above average. So far so good.
Teammates are an extension of family, in some ways. Teammates are people you forge lifelong friendships and bonds with, some more than others.
In the off-season I spend time with my wife and two kids, work out, go to church, and focus on getting more property for 1st Down Investments LLC.
As a child I always wanted to play professional football so I always worked hard to be the best. I was always self-motivated.
My father was my best friend and role model. He showed me what being a 'man' was all about. I miss him more and more every day.
Losing is the worst feeling I have ever had. Losing isn’t just losing a game, it’s not being able to do well enough to be successful. Losing is not an option in sports or in life. In order to be successful, losing has to be unacceptable.
My position next to quarterback is probably the most difficult to play from an athletic standpoint. My position gives me a rush with the one-on-one challenges, knowing that winning or losing can be a direct result of your performance.
Family next to God is the most important thing to me. Family is what motivates me to be the best that I can be in whatever I do. Family is a beautiful thing.
I have learned lately that nothing in life is guaranteed, so you constantly have to push yourself all the time. There is never time to sit back and admire your work until you are done.
In the future I understand that I can’t expect people to see things the way I do or think the same as I do. You can’t help everybody.
Success is in the eye of the beholder. You have to have your own goals, your own dreams and your own vision. You create the amount of success that you want. Don’t allow someone else to dictate your situation.
I really dislike people who criticize other person's performance when they have never done it themselves.
There is no way I will ever accept not giving my all in life. There is no way I won’t do what I expect to do.
I have always wanted to be successful.
I admire Huey P. Newton, who had a vision to help his people’s situation and made it happen.
I regret nothing so far. I’m living life without regrets.
My mother is a good woman. She is also a strong black woman who got things done when they needed to be done - I love that woman.
I know that with God all things are possible. There is nothing too big for God.
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