Marvin Powell, a former NFL offensive tackle and a College Football Hall of Famer, passed away on September 30, 2022, at the age of 67. His son, Marvin Powell III, confirmed that the cause of his death was heart failure Powell was one of the most successful and decorated athletes from Fayetteville, North Carolina, and a leader on and off the field.
Contents
Early Life and College Career
Powell was born at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, on August 30, 1955. His father, Marvin Sr., was a first sergeant and combat medic in the United States Army, and fought in the Normandy invasion in World War II, the Korean War, and deployed twice in Vietnam Powell attended Seventy-First High School in Fayetteville, where he excelled in football and basketball
Powell went on to play college football for the USC Trojans from 1973 to 1976. He was an all-conference selection in the Pacific-8 in 1974, 1975, and 1976. He was also named an All-American in 1975 and 1976. He graduated from USC in 1977 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science and speech Powell was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1994.
Professional Career and NFLPA Presidency
The New York Jets selected Powell in the first round, with the fourth overall pick, of the 1977 NFL Draft. He played for the Jets from 1977 to 1985, earning five consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 1979 to 1983. He was also named a first-team All-Pro in 1979, 1981, and 1982, and a second-team All-Pro in 1980. He started 128 games for the Jets, protecting quarterbacks such as Richard Todd and Ken O’Brien.
Powell was also elected president of the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA) during his playing career. He served as the union’s leader from 1982 to 1986, overseeing two players’ strikes in 1982 and 1987. He advocated for better salaries, benefits, and working conditions for his fellow players. He also helped negotiate the first collective bargaining agreement that included free agency rights for players.
Powell finished his NFL career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, playing nine games for them in 1986 and 1987 before retiring.
Law Career and Political Aspirations
Powell had a passion for politics and law since his college days. He worked on George H. W. Bush’s presidential campaign in 1980 as a conservative Republican. He also worked as an intern at the New York Stock Exchange and spent six off-seasons working on his Juris Doctor degree, which he earned from New York Law School in June 1987
Powell expressed his desire to run for president of the United States someday, saying that he wanted to make a positive difference in the world. He practiced law in New York and Florida, specializing in sports law, entertainment law, corporate law, and civil litigation. He also served as a mentor and advisor to many young athletes and students
Legacy and Family
Powell is remembered as one of the best offensive linemen in NFL history and one of the most influential players’ union leaders. He is also revered as a role model and a humanitarian who cared deeply about his community and his country.
Powell is survived by four children, Marvin III, Jackson, Amerique, and Veronique, and three grandchildren, Morgan, Josephine, and Marvin IV His family and friends mourn his loss and celebrate his life.
