WAUWATOSA, Wis. — A former Wauwatosa East High School football player is hoping to hear his name announced during this year’s NFL Draft.
Marcus Mbow’s parents said that he has worked very hard to make his dreams come true.
Beth Mbow is the mother of the former Wauwatosa East offensive guard.
The Purdue guard stands 6'4" and weighs over 300 pounds.
Beth said her son has always been big but watching him grow into the man he has become has been amazing.
“It's been a pleasure as a mom to see him, to see your kid that committed and driven,” said Beth. “It makes me really proud.”
Marcus’ father Demba Mbow said basketball was Marcus’ first love, but he said he noticed early on Marcus could make an impact on the football field.
Demba said there was a moment when Marcus put the rest of the world on notice.
“There was a game where he was playing against a kid from Mukwonago who was a five-star recruit, and he did pretty well,” said Demba. “Calls started coming in and people started to take an interest, and it just took off from there, really.”
Beth said Marcus’ favorite sports memory is winning the state basketball championship in 2021. She said that might change during the NFL Draft.
She said whoever drafts her son will be very lucky to have him on their team.
“He's still my Marcus and I'm still his mom and still looking out for things that have nothing to do with football or sports,” said Beth. “It has been an amazing journey, and I just could not be more proud of him.”
Experts project Marcus to be selected on day two of the draft.
Beth and Demba said when they finally hear their son’s named called, it will be an emotional moment that made his commitment and work all worth it.
“I get to, God willing, sit there and see him achieve his dreams, whether it's the first round, second round, third round,” said Demba. “I know his name is going to get called.”
“That will be like the culmination of all of his work,” said Beth. “Even as I'm telling you, I'm getting goosebumps…I've never experienced anything like it, but I know I will be thrilled.”
Marcus and his family will watch the draft from a restaurant Marcus used to work at in high school.
