MVS’s mother is an inspirational figure who sacrificed everything for him, but when the time was right, she went back and achieved her dreams.
Highlights
- Marquez Valdes-Scantling’s mother, Tahisia, initially dropped out of high school after becoming a teen mom but persevered to complete her education, earning both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree.
- The “Valdes” in Marquez’s name comes from his biological father, while “Scantling” honors his stepfather, Marcellus, who played a significant role in his life.
- Marquez’s football career saw him excel in high school, earn a scholarship to North Carolina State University, and later transfer to the University of South Florida, leading to his selection by the Green Bay Packers in the 2018 NFL Draft.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling, the standout wide receiver for the New Orleans Saints in the NFL, is the proud son of Tahisia and Marcellus Scantling.
He was born to a teen mom on October 10, 1994, in St. Petersburg, Florida.
Tahisia faced significant challenges of teenage pregnancy, leading her to leave high school.
However, determined to complete her education, she returned to school with Marquez by her side and earned her high school diploma.
She continued her academic journey, obtaining a bachelor’s degree from St. Petersburg College and a master’s degree in government contracting from the University of West Florida.
Today, Tahsia is an accomplished real estate agent and the founder of her own firm, Right Turn Realty.
She also serves as the CEO at Crossroad Consulting in Tampa, Florida.
MVS Added Scantling To His Name To Honor His Stepfather
The “Valdes” in Marquez Valdes-Scantling’s name comes from his biological father, while the “Scantling” comes from his stepfather, Marcellus Scantling.
Marquez originally went only by Valdes but considered Marcellus to be more of a father to him.
So, when he turned 18, he finally hyphenated his last name to honor his stepfather.
In an interview, Marquez said,
I didn’t want to miss out on any opportunities by having a different last name, where they can’t get in contact with me. I just hyphenated it, and it kind of just stuck throughout college. Here we are today with ‘MVS’ as the name.
KSHB
Damn my last name is long 😂 https://t.co/2NnI5Xr8zb
— Marquez V-S (@MVS__11) March 25, 2022
Marcellus Is A UOPX Graduate
Marcellus Scantling is a senior electronic engineer with degrees in engineering from Tampa College and business from the University of Phoenix.
His professional experience includes contributing to a program at the Kennedy Space Center focused on transitioning the space shuttle’s technology from analog to digital.
Marcellus has been a steadfast supporter of Marquez, offering guidance during pivotal moments, such as his decision to transfer colleges in 2015.
MVS Had An Illustrious Collegiate Career At NC State And USF
Growing up in a supportive family environment, Marquez developed a passion for football early.
He attended Lakewood High School in St. Petersburg, where he showcased his athletic prowess as a wide receiver.
His high school performance earned him a scholarship to North Carolina State University.
After two seasons, he transferred to the University of South Florida, seeking greater opportunities to develop his skills.
At USF, he became a key player, leading the team in receiving yards during his junior and senior years.
With the 174th overall pick in the 5th round, the Packers select WR Marquez Valdes-Scantling from South Florida#GoPackGo🧀 #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/7G0YhBir8H
— IKE Packers Podcast (@IKE_Packers) April 28, 2018
He’s With New Orleans On A One-Year Deal
In the 2018 NFL Draft, the Green Bay Packers selected Valdes-Scantling in the fifth round.
He quickly became known for his speed and deep-threat capability, contributing significantly to the Packers’ offense over four seasons.
In 2022, he signed a three-year contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, further solidifying his position as a valuable wide receiver in the league.
After being released by the Kansas City Chiefs in February 2024, he briefly played for the Buffalo Bills. However, he was cut by the Bills after they acquired Amari Cooper.
Valdes-Scantling then signed a one-year deal with the New Orleans Saints for the veteran minimum, aiming to boost his free agent stock.
Recently, he has been dealing with a chest injury and an illness, which have kept him out of practice.
Additional Information
- Before focusing solely on football, Marquez was also a standout track athlete in high school.
- Marquez is actively involved in community service. He has participated in various charitable events and initiatives, including hosting football camps for underprivileged youth and supporting local food banks.
- A thrilling character, Tahisia, skydived to celebrate her 50th birthday.
