Sanders Shares His Journey from AAMU to the NFL

Alabama A&M University alumnus Marlon Sanders, Jr., a Video Assistant with the Philadelphia Eagles, is heading back to the Super Bowl for the second time in his career. This Sunday, he’ll be stationed in the end zone at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans as the Eagles take on the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX.

The Mobile, Alabama native who earned his mass communications degree in 2019, recently spoke with WALA in his hometown about his path from The Hill to the NFL. Last year, we shared his inspiring journey, including his bond with best friend Da’Vonta Ealy – also an alumnus – who works as a video assistant for the Baltimore Ravens. The two first met shooting video for the Bulldogs, a passion that propelled both into the professional ranks.

Reflecting on his experience at last year’s Super Bowl, where the Eagles fell to the Chiefs in a heartbreaking 38-35 loss, Sanders is eager for a different outcome.

“This year’s Super Bowl is closer to home, so I’m really excited,” Sanders told WALA. “I grew up going to Saints games, and that's where I developed my love for football. This is the closest I’ve been to my hometown for an NFL game, so having a lot of family and friends come out makes it even more special.”

Sanders also explained how his work behind-the-scenes helps in the Eagles’ success.

“This isn’t the glamorous, flashy video you see on TV,” he said. “There is no audio, it’s ‘Teach Tape.’ It’s what players, coaches, and scouts use to evaluate everything from technique to effort.”

Having witnessed the Eagles’ NFC Championship victory firsthand, Sanders recalls the atmosphere as electric and anticipates an even grander spectacle this Sunday.

“It’s like an out-of-body experience, especially in Philly,” he said. “Everything I’m doing right now feels exactly like what I’m supposed to be doing, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

The Eagles face the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX this Sunday at 5:30 p.m. CT on FOX.