University of North Carolina Ashville Athletics
NFL’s Marques Ogden highlights UNC Asheville’s Welcome Back
01.19.2021 | Athletics News
WATCH WELCOME BACK VIDEO
ASHEVILLE, N.C. – With UNC Asheville students returning to campus for the start of the spring semester on Tuesday, the Athletics department hosted a "Welcome Back" zoom on Monday night with former NFL player Marques Ogden serving as the keynote speaker.
"Speaking engagements like this are so important to me, as I really love giving back to the youth," Ogden said. "They are our future, and when they are inspired great things can happen!"
Ogden spoke to UNC Asheville student-athletes and athletics staff members for nearly 40 minutes, before fielding and answering questions from those on the call. Ogden urged the Bulldogs athletes to "be their own CEO," in an effort to take accountability and responsibility.
"I loved the talk, I loved the high energy," Ogden said of his zoom with the UNC Asheville student-athletes on Monday night.
Ogden stressed that being a self-starter is key. Extra work both inside and outside of the classroom could be controlled internally by each individual. Ogden also discussed the importance of having a vision, but that the individual and their teammates must do the things necessary to execute that vision.
"Strategy is important, but always be ready to pivot with your strategy and execution," Ogden said. "You can pivot and change your strategy without changing your vision."
A 2002 graduate (finance) and standout offensive lineman at Howard University, Ogden was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2003 and played for four different NFL franchises in his career. After Ogden retired due to injury, he founded a construction company (Kayden Premier Enterprises) with much success early. After receiving the African American Subcontractor of the Year Award in the state of Maryland, Kayden Premier Enterprises went bankrupt and lost almost two million dollars on one project in a 90-day span.
"I want to inspire you to take accountability," said Ogden about becoming an inspirational speaker. "Along with, wanting to help you succeed, where I failed."
During his darkest hours, Ogden pulled himself together, got a part-time job as a custodian and with hard work and determination became an inspirational keynote speaker, executive coach, best-selling author and marketing leader, helping to build the success of others.
"The Welcome Back zoom is unique and special to me because it's an opportunity to show these young athletes that they can be great at whatever they put their minds and talents to, as long as they never give up or stop believing in their greatness," Ogden said.
Ogden currently resides in Cary, North Carolina with his wife Bonnie. To find out more about Ogden, his inspiring story and his speaking engagements, visit marquesogden.com.
