Bob Marley's grandson is now a Washington Redskins
The Washington Redskins have announced that Nico Marley, grandson of legendary singer Bob Marley, has officially signed on the team. The undrafted free agent from Tulane greatly impressed the team's coaches during the rookie mini-camp.
Athleticism runs in the Marley family. Nico's dad Rohan played college football for Miami years ago. Both The Rock and Hall of Famer linebacker Ray Lewis were on that Miami team. Rohan Marley also played in the Canadian Football League back in the day (again, with The Rock and Ray Lewis!).
Nico isn't exactly scheduled to be on the opening day roster for the Redskins. The linebacker has to earn a roster spot. However, being on the signed-in rookie mini-camp is a very good start.
Head Coach Jay Gruden said Marley had two interceptions, three tackles for a loss, and a fumble recovery to earn a spot on the 90-man roster of the Redskins. It's the same team his father Rohan watched years ago while growing up in Jamaica.
What is really impressive is that Nico is quite undersized to be a player in the National Football League. He stands at only 5'8". (His legendary grandfather Bob Marley was only 5'7".)
Size doesn't hinder Nico from making great plays.
"[I’m] like my dad also on the field, or like my grandfather when he’s doing music,” Marley said. “I’m passionate, running around excited. I bring all that together. It’s still my grandfather’s passion, but it’s in a different eye to the public. Now it’s like, ‘Oh, we’ve got a Marley playing football? Okay.’ Then, you can watch me, watch my grandfather’s performances, and you can be like, ‘Wow, all right.’ You can see how it resonates and how everything coincides.”
Football is still relatively new to the Marleys, but as he continues to work for a spot on the 53-man roster this summer, Nico hopes to carry his legacy into a different type of arena.