1-on-1 with MVS

 

The Packers turned a lot of heads in the draft. With an incredibly deep wide receiver class, they took a quarterback. Then a running back. A Tight End. Three offensive linemen. In fact, wide out is the only offensive position that wasn’t addressed, sending a clear message.

“Obviously our staff believes in us, our quarterback believes in us and that’s all that matters,” third year wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling tells me.

There’s going to be a lot of pressure on MVS this season. After racking up more than one thousand yards and 4 TDs over his first two years in the league, the Packers need the speedster to step up.

“Just keep growing, keep getting better, just keep taking steps forward, no steps backwards. Keep growing as a man, keep growing as a player.”

Growing professionally AND personally is a life-long commitment for Marquez. May is Mental Health Awareness month and it’s important to note his battle on and off the field.

“It’s something that I struggled with personally.”

Last season he wore cleats with the message “don’t let darkness overtake you, it’s okay to not be okay” on them to raise awareness.

“Being a professional athlete if I can share my story with people that I persevered with everything in the world, every dream accomplished, every goal accomplished. They can still struggle, it’s ok for others to struggle too and it’s ok to reach out for help. “

Amid the coronavirus pandemic, Marquez turned to social media to help Packers fans in need. He’s working with three families to cover their bills for a month.

 “Their response was heartwarming. Just to be able to help those in need who may have lost their jobs. Their responses were just great.”

He’s also helping with a few fundraisers for healthcare workers. Reporting from home, Scott Grodsky, CBS 58 Sports.