Olympian Marvin Bracy Going Back To Football Roots, Giving NFL A Shot


Marvin Bracy was always one of the fastest athletes on the football field, whether it was at Orlando Boone (Fl.) High or Florida State University.

During his high school track career, he compiled six FHSAA Class 4A championships, winning the 100 and 200m dash three times each and boasting a wind-legal personal best of 10.25 in the 100m.

But Bracy gave up his football aspirations in 2013 after signing a professional track and field contract with Adidas. Since that time, he has represented Team USA at the World Championships, 2016 Olympic Games, and, most recently, at the World Relays in Nassau, Bahamas. Despite all this success, there was still a part of him that yearned to get back on the gridiron.

"Maybe some day in the future I hope to return to football," he said. "I don't want to say I regret leaving school early, but there is always going to be that what if that runs in my head. What if I stayed and played three or four years what would that be like now?"


Bracy, who has been trying out for NFL teams in the past month, including the Carolina Panthers, believes he has what it takes to do both sports, like former Florida natives Jeff Demps and Garrett Scantling.

"I definitely know I still have it," Bracy said. "Hats off to those guys. That's a blessing for those guys to switch sports and for it to workout like that. Like I said, I know I have what it takes, and one day hopefully I get to prove it."

Ricky Argro used to train Marvin Bracy in high school and has known him for nearly a decade. Argro says it's always been a dream of Bracy's to make it to the NFL.

"Even with all the success he's had as a track athlete, football was his first love," Argro said. "He's chasing and living out his dreams. As long as he's happy, I support him."

Track fans, don't worry, though. Bracy still has plans on competing at the World Championships in London. In order for that to happen, he says the key is staying healthy.

"The name of the game is to stay healthy and the times will come," he said. "I feel like I'm a talented athlete, and if I stay healthy through the rest of the season and dedicate myself and work hard, I know I can make the team and get a medal."

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