The Circle of M
The Circle of M was founded by retired NFL player, Marcus Smith II. Our missions is to break the negative mental health stigma and unmask the feelings that cause anxiety and depression.
The Circle of ‘M’ is a 501 (c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to bring awareness and advocacy to mental health challenges within the sports community. This accomplished through our mentorship program, various media outlets, and speaking engagements.
Hi, I’m Marcus Smith II. I’m a father, husband, son, and brother. But I wouldn’t be any of those things—or be where I am today—without my loving family, my faith in God, and my ability to make the best of a bad situation.
In a lot of ways, I was lucky. I grew up in Columbus, Georgia, and was born into a good, wholesome family. But I battled anxiety and depression from an early age. These experiences had a profound impact on me, the extent of which I did not fully realize until I was older. Somewhere along the way, God threw me a lifeline, and it came in the form of football. I loved the game, and as it turned out, I was pretty good at it. I became an All-American at the University of Louisville and was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft.
I played against the best players in the world, but make no mistake: anxiety and depression were the toughest opponents I’ve ever had to tackle. Even though I was living my dream on the field, I was stuck in a nightmare off of it.
My mind would race. Thoughts would come and go. One day, I thought about taking my own life. It was bad.
As men, and as football players, we’re taught to be stoic and courageous. We’re taught to play through pain. But at what cost? We often mask and suppress the dark thoughts we’re thinking, the deep secrets we’re keeping. No more. We have to confront what we’re feeling. We have to talk. We have to be vulnerable.
So I am. I want to end the stigma surrounding mental health, especially in professional sports. And, just as God threw me a lifeline, I want to do the same for others. Thats why I founded The Circle Of M Foundation, with the noble aim of offering mentorship and impactful programs that foster a bridge towards individuals mental well-being.
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There are people who need my help, who need our help, and I don’t want to let them down. I am fortunate enough to have a platform, and I don’t plan on wasting it. It would mean the world to me if you came on this journey with me.
We can make a difference. Together
uses his experience and insight to bring attention to mental health issues
Marcus launched the Circle of M podcast to raise awareness about the various challenges individuals face with anxiety in the world of sports.
The Circle of M’s Mentorship Program offers group mentoring as well as one-on-one mentoring for athletes struggling with mental health challenges. Reach out to us at info@thecircleofm.com to find out more.
Thank you, The Circle of M, for giving me the tools and support I needed to overcome my challenges. Your program has not only helped me become a better athlete but a stronger person overall. I highly recommend The Circle of M to any athlete struggling with anxiety and trauma. Their dedication to mental health is truly inspiring.
My son has always been passionate about sports, but as he got older, the pressures and anxieties started to take a toll on him. As a mother, it’s heartbreaking to see your child struggle and not know how to help. That’s when we found The Circle of M, and I cannot express how much this organization has changed our lives.
The impact on his mental health has been profound. He is now not only excelling in his sport but also thriving as an individual. The Circle of M provided a safe space for him to talk about his fears and anxieties without judgment. The program helped him realize he is not alone and that it’s okay to ask for help.
