Grateful for a Life in Football and the Communities It Builds
Football isn’t just about touchdowns and game-day glory; it’s about the ripple effect it creates in the world. Through football, I’ve seen lives transformed, communities uplifted, and bonds forged that extend far beyond the field.
Life in the Kingdom of Football Royalty
Growing up, my life was anything but ordinary. With that, my childhood was immersed in a world of power, prestige, and privilege that surrounded the NFL and those that were in the tight community of ownership and players. However, the true magic of this world went beyond luxury—it's what shaped my understanding of real royalty. True royalty isn’t about the riches or the privileges; it’s about resilience. Doing hard things, not giving up, and being grateful—that’s the real definition of royalty.
How the Eagles First Round Pick in 1984 Changed My Life
In my house, the NFL Draft was always a HUGE event, for the fans all over, but it's only gotten bigger and more exciting these days! One thing I will say about Roger Goddell is that he knows how to put on a good show for Draft Day! I am a fan of what Draft Day has become; it's an experience that, previously, very few had the opportunity to participate in.
I was fortunate to live and breathe draft day in the board room, and I had no idea how much a first-round pick in 1984 would change my life.
The Incredible Benefits of Reading
We always say that reading is the best coping skill we can give children. Reading also helps in developing stronger analytical thinking skills, improves memory, and enhances focus and concentration. Reading also brings inner tranquility, and you become better at conversations. Reading is like a workout for your brain that keeps it healthy and active. Lastly, reading is contagious, which means that when you read, people around you are more likely to read too.
The Unparalleled Legacy of My Idol
I have often heard the cautionary expression, "Don't meet your idols," as they can't possibly live up to the expectations we create in our minds. However, what if your idol is someone as extraordinary as your own mother? In my case, my mother, Susan Tose Spencer, is a living legend who has not only inspired me but has left an indelible mark on the lives of many.
Audio Interviews
Listen to these audio interviews of Coach John Harbaugh and Coach Jack Harbaugh by Susan Tose Spencer, Marnie’s mom and first female General Manager of an NFL football team.
Interview of Don Shula
Listen to this interview of Don Shula in 2011 by Susan Tose Spencer, Marnie’s mom and first female General Manager of an NFL football team.
Losing Like a Girl
No one I know likes to lose; as we age, the stakes get higher, and losing anything, even a second of time that I may have spent on something unimportant, bugs me. Yet when I have experienced loss or things have not gone my way, losing like a girl is what has helped me recover faster. My friends and I have a theory that when we lose something, what we do is lose like the girls we are. Girls are emotional; girls talk to their friends about it repeatedly, and girls immediately grieve. We wear the loss on our faces, and it helps the process of moving on.
Carpool Daze
Ahhhh Carpool!!! As we approach the final few days of senior year in high school, my mommy carpool days are officially ending, and a new reality is creeping in. The fact is, I really haven’t had carpool duty in 2 years, but it is still a memorable experience as a mom! I want to give my thanks and love to the #carpool line! I’ve spent the last 20 years doing the carpool line, and I’m grateful for pretty much every second of it!
Summer Lovin’ - Learning the Language of Romance in Sports
It's almost summer, and who doesn't recall their first summer romance? I can vividly remember my first summer crush — super cute, bright-eyed, funny, and charming. We met at the ballpark, and it was love at first sight. It didn't matter that we didn't say much or that he was a different color (green); what mattered was that we spoke the same language, the official language of summer —baseball!
Cheering for Others
We all need an advocate to cheer for us! I believe that what makes a true leader is the ability to energize and uplift others. I have been a cheerleader for those I care about and for people I don’t know, but I have also had times when I needed support.
Sports - The Universal Language
Sports can be the key that unlocks the best parts of life: developing and maintaining healthy relationships, creating a strong sense of who we are, and knowing that we can be from all different places and have different backgrounds but can still work together. Sports can bridge the gaps and bring us together. That's a language worth learning.