Early years

Marion played high school football at West High School, where as a senior he received All-State honor after leading the state with 13 interceptions. He also lettered in basketball and track

He accepted a scholarship to attend the University of Nevada. He became a four-year starter, leading the secondary in tackles each year. He played cornerback during his first three years, before moving to strong safety as a senior. He finished his career with 303 tackles, 13 interceptions and deflected an additional 44 passes.

After his sophomore season, the University of Nevada earned three consecutive conference titles. In those years he was named All-Big Sky and All-Big West.

In 2006 he was inducted into the Nevada Athletics Hall of Fame.

Professional career

Dallas Cowboys

Marion was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the seventh round of the 1993 NFL Draft. As a rookie he was used as a backup safety and on special teams, where he was third on the team with 19 tackles. The next year he tied for second on the team with 23 special teams tackles.

He became a starter at free safety in 1995, replacing James Washington who signed with the Washington Redskins as a free agent. He recorded 114 tackles (second on the team), 6 interceptions (tied for the second on the team) and helped the Cowboys win Super Bowl XXX.

In 1996, he missed 6 games and the playoffs because of a season ending left scapula injury, finishing with 77 tackles (fifth on the team). In 1997, the Baltimore Ravens nearly signed him as a free agent, but backed out of the deal because of a failed physical. Marion ended up re-signing with the Cowboys and went on to have 100 tackles, including 19 (third most in franchise history) against the Green Bay Packers.

During his time with the Cowboys he was an excellent safety, but the team couldn't keep him because of salary cap limitations.

Miami Dolphins

Marion signed as a free agent with the Dolphins in 1998, reuniting with former head coach Jimmy Johnson. That season he made 112 tackles (second on the team) with no interceptions. In 1999, he recorded 100 tackles (third on the team) and was used as the main kick returner, getting 62 returns for a league leading 1,524 yards (first in franchise history), including a return of 93 yards. The next year he had 5 interceptions (tied for second on the team) and led the team with 109 tackles.

In 2001, he registered 5 interceptions (led the team) and finished third on the team with 97 tackles. he also was named as a first-alternate safety for the Pro Bowl. The next year he finished with 109 tackles (second on the team) and 5 interceptions (second on the team).

In 2003, he was fourth on the team with 100 tackles and was released after the season in a salary cap move. With the Dolphins, he was a three-time Pro Bowl selection (2000, 2002 and 2003). He left ranking third on the franchise career list in kickoff returns (107), kickoff return yards (2,517) and kickoff return average (23.5).

Detroit Lions

Marion signed with the Detroit Lions in 2004, making 66 tackles, 3 interceptions, and starting 16 games. He was cut in a salary cap move on April 25, 2005 and was replaced with Terrence Holt as the new starter at free safety.

He retired with 676 career tackles, two quarterback sacks, 31 interceptions for 537 yards and three touchdowns. He also returned 123 kickoffs for 2,951 yards. He is the oldest player with an interception return of 100+ yards (31 years, 209 days).

Personal life

In 2013, Marion became the head coach for the football team at St. John Lutheran High School. His father Jerry Marion played wide receiver for one year with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

[ Source: Wikipedia ]