Lemar Marshall

Infobox NFLactive


name=Lemar Marshall
|width=
caption=
currentteam=Free Agent
currentnumber=--
currentposition=Linebacker
birthdate=birth date and age|1976|12|17
birthplace=Cincinnati, Ohio
country=USA
heightft=6
heightin=2
weight=225
debutyear=2002
debutteam=Washington Redskins
college=Michigan State
undraftedyear=1999
pastteams=
* Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1999)*
* Philadelphia Eagles (2000)*
* Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2000)*
* Denver Broncos (2001)*
* Washington Redskins (2001-2006)
* Cincinnati Bengals (2007):*Offseason and/or practice squad member only
status=
nfl=MAR436588

Lemar Willie Marshall (born December 17, 1976 in Cincinnati, Ohio) is an American football linebacker who is currently a free agent. He was originally signed by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 1999. He played college football at Michigan State.

High School Career

Marshall was a first-team All-State pick as a senior at St. Xavier High School in Cincinnati.

College career

Marshall was recruited by Michigan State University in 1995. He played in 11 games as a true freshman, including two at cornerback. As a sophomore in 1996, he posted 54 stops in 12 games. He started four of 12 games at strong safety as a junior, recording 79 tackles in 1997. As a senior in 1998, he finished third on the team with a career-high 101 tackles, and also recorded two interceptions, breaking up 16 other passes. At Michigan State, Marshall lettered all four years, compiling 261 tackles and 27 passes defensed. He was a merchandising management major.

NFL career

1999-2000

Marshall entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1999. He spent parts of 1999 and 2000 on the practice squads of the Buccaneers and the Philadelphia Eagles.

2001-2002

In 2001, he spent training camp with the Denver Broncos before being released in early September. Marshall signed with the Washington Redskins in late 2001. In 2002, He made his professional debut in Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals. He went on to play all 16 games as a reserve linebacker and on special teams coverage units. He posted seven tackles and nine special teams tackles. He recorded eight on kickoff coverage and one on punt coverage.

2003-2004

In 2003, Marshall played in 12 games, primarily on special teams units but also logged some action at reserve linebacker. He was inactive for four games. In 2004, Marshall had a breakthrough season, starting 14 games at outside linebacker when LaVar Arrington was sidelined with a knee injury. Marshall stepped up, recording 82 tackles, 1.5 sacks and one forced fumble.

2005-2006

During the 2005 season, Marshall started all 16 games, recording 98 tackles and 2 sacks, as well as 4 interceptions, 2 forced fumbles, and one defensive touchdown. Marshall anchored the middle of the defense as the Redskins made the playoffs for the first time since 1999. In 2006, he didn't perform as well because he was bothered by knee and ankle injuries, however, respectively, he managed to get a career high of 104 tackles. This is the first time in his professional career that he had over 100 tackles despite having no sacks, interceptions, or forced fumbles.

2007

Lemar Marshall signed a 1 year contract with his hometown-Bengals August 23, 2007, 2 days after a surprise move by the Washington Redskins who released him in training camp.

Personal

Marshall's nickname is "The Catfish."