Marcus Smith
II
From NFL first-round pick to purpose-driven mental wellness leader. Marcus helps people at
every level, from students, to athletes, to executives, unmask their struggles, reclaim their identity, and lead with purpose.
Marcus Smith II is a former first-round NFL athlete turned nationally recognized mental wellness leader. From his own experience struggling with severe mental health challenges, he now works with professional teams, universities, K-12 systems, and corporations across the country to reshape how we talk about mental health, identity, and purpose, in athletics, education and beyond.
Marcus Smith II’s story isn’t just about football, it’s about what comes after the roar of the crowd. A first-round NFL Draft pick who played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Seattle Seahawks, and Washington Commanders, Marcus reached the highest levels of the game. But behind the helmet, he silently battled anxiety, depression, and identity loss, nearly losing his life in the process.
His healing began when he stopped hiding. Through therapy, storytelling, and a renewed sense of purpose, Marcus found clarity, and made it his mission to help others do the same.
Today, Marcus is a trusted voice in athlete mental wellness and beyond. He advises NFL teams and league offices on player mental health strategy, works with college and high school programs to equip athletes with tools for resilience, and partners with corporate leaders to bring mindset, clarity, and purpose into high-performance environments.
Whether he’s speaking to a locker room, boardroom, or classroom, Marcus creates space for people to unmask, reflect, and grow. He believes that mental wellness isn’t just survival, it’s a daily practice of becoming who you were meant to be.
A Platform for Unmasking Mental Health
The Circle of M is Marcus’s space for raw, real conversations about performance, purpose, and mental wellness.
Through podcast episodes, video interviews, and live events, Marcus brings together athletes, leaders, and experts to explore the emotional truths behind high achievement, and what it takes to stay human while striving.
I felt really good about the vibe that Marcus and I had and talking about things we’ve both gone through. The struggles as well as the success and victory over our shared challenges.
It was great talking about taking time for yourself and trusting the process with Marcus.
© 2025 Marcus Smith, II. All rights reserved.
Bring Marcus to Your Team, School, or Organization
Whether you’re building stronger athletes, supporting students, or leading a high-performing team, Marcus Smith II brings more than just inspiration , he brings strategy, story, and a roadmap for purpose-driven mental wellness. From NFL locker rooms to classrooms and boardrooms, Marcus delivers keynotes, workshops, and custom programs that move people from pressure to clarity, and from silence to strength.