The University of Texas at Austin Athletics
Catching up with Marcus Wilkins
03.12.2003 | Football
Former Longhorn Marcus Wilkins lived a childhood dream in 2002. Signed as a rookie free agent by the Green Bay Packers following last April's NFL Draft, Wilkins not only made the final 53-man roster out of training camp, but he played in five games and collected eight tackles while playing rush end, linebacker and special teams. A four-year Longhorns letterwinner who played in 49 career games at all three linebacking spots, defensive end and on special teams, Wilkins registered 62 tackles, eight TFLs, 14 QB pressures, an interception, two fumble recoveries and a blocked punt in his four years at UT. This week, the Austin native took some time to talk to about his rookie season in the NFL and his time as a Longhorn.
What were your feelings when you learned you made Green Bay's 53-man roster?
"It easily was the most rewarding moment of my life. Seeing that final 53-man roster with my name on it was incredible. A lot of people tried out and wanted to be on the team and I was blessed to make it. It was kind of a relief, a weight lifted off my shoulders. I did it and no one can ever take it away from me. I always believed I was a good player and wanted to prove it to the Packers coaches. In the NFL, they don't keep you as a favor, so I knew I had earned my way on the team."
Talk about your rookie year in the NFL.
"It was really exciting being with the Packers. They gave me a chance to make the team and the coaches believed in me. Having the chance to be on the active roster all year and playing in some games was a great experience. I played on special teams and at linebacker and rush end and had a great time."
What's it like playing in the city of Green Bay?
"Green Bay definitely is the top city in the NFL. The team has so much history and tradition. So many guys from the past and present come through every day and the atmosphere is awesome. The fans love you and we play in front of a full stadium all the time, no matter what the weather. They just give us great support and that's good to have because you know no matter what happens, they are in your corner."
What did you learn during your rookie season?
"The main thing is there is a one-chance atmosphere at this level. There's not a lot of room for mistakes and you have to learn from them quickly or you will be replaced with someone else. This is a performance-based league and there's always someone out there to replace you if you don't get the job done. If you can play, you will, and learning that helped me relax and do my job last season."
What were some of the adjustments you had to make from college to professional football?
"It was difficult, but to be honest, that's one of the things I liked about it. I definitely learned to be an adult and my own person. There wasn't someone to help me out all the time, so if I needed to do something, I had to do it myself. I pretty much had to grow up really fast."
How did your time at UT help your transition to the NFL?
"The biggest things were the locker room atmosphere, strong fan base and nice facilities. I was so fortunate to experience those things in college, so I think it made going up to Green Bay a little easier for me than someone from a smaller school. I'd been around big-time players like Ricky Williams, Quentin Jammer and Mike Williams, so seeing NFL stars didn't make me as awestruck as I might have been. Their facilities are top-of-the-line and it just made me appreciate what I had at UT that much more. Green Bay is a friendly, accommodating team and everyone is treated equal and with a high level of respect. It is very similar to UT in that respect."
Being an Austin native, last year was your first time away from home. What was that like?
"I had a lot of fun. I was 22 years old, saw a lot of things happen and had a lot of time to grow up and was ready to go. I'm not gonna lie, I'm not a huge fan of the weather, but Green Bay is a great place to live."
Were you able to see the Longhorns play this past season?
"I was able to see a few games last year and I came down for the Iowa State game on my bye week. I have a lot of friends on the team. I talk to those guys on the phone and try to hang out with them whenever I am in town. I wish them nothing but the best in the pursuit of a championship next season, so I can brag about them in our locker room."
What do you miss from your time at UT?
"It was a fun time. I sure had a lot more freedom living the college lifestyle, but now, it's more of a job in a billion-dollar corporation. I really miss the camaraderie we had in the locker room. I knew the guy I lockered next to was going to be there for a while and someone I'd know for a long time. I miss that. In the NFL, things can and do change quickly. Whoever you are next to one day, can be gone the next. It definitely was a more social atmosphere in college."
What advise would you give the younger players about college?
"Take full advantage of the opportunity and don't hold back in the classroom or the football field. You only live once, so you enjoy it while you can. UT is a great opportunity and wonderful university and the football program is one of the best out there."
What makes the Longhorns program so successful?
"Coach Brown and his staff go out and get the most talented players available and they all have a great work ethic. It all starts with UT's great history and I see good things happening in the future. The program gets a lot of support from city and the fans are wonderful. They're with you all the time, cheering you on, and I think that's a big part of the school's success."
