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When eight-year-old Marcus Smith II experienced his first anxiety attack, no one knew what to name it. This untreated childhood anxiety would shadow him through his meteoric rise as a first-round NFL draft pick and eventually bring him to the brink of suicide—twice. But from these darkest moments emerged a powerful mission that's transforming youth mental health across the nation.

"Football was my band-aid," Marcus reveals in our deeply moving conversation. This temporary covering masked his underlying struggles until the intense pressure of professional sports stripped it away. Without proper mental health tools or support, Marcus found himself paralyzed by anxiety on the field—"almost like a vegetable"—despite his extraordinary physical abilities and years of training.

The turning point came in 2018 when Marcus finally spoke those transformative words: "I need help." The overwhelming support from his Seattle Seahawks teammates showed him the power of vulnerability and sparked the creation of Circle of M, his groundbreaking nonprofit. Unlike traditional youth programs focused solely on physical development, Circle of M pioneers a holistic approach where mental wellness precedes physical training. "We do everything backwards," Marcus explains. "It should always be mental first and then physical, because the brain itself controls the rest of your body."

Through innovative techniques like "feelings wheels" that help youth identify and articulate emotions, Marcus is building a generation equipped with tools he never had. His powerful message for future healthcare professionals—"Be where your feet are"—offers wisdom for anyone navigating challenging careers. As a husband, father, and man of faith, Marcus embodies authentic leadership that meets people exactly where they are.

Ready to join this mental health revolution? Follow Marcus's journey and learn more about Circle of M's transformative work by visiting thecircleofm.com or connecting on Instagram @thecircleofm. Together, we can ensure no child faces their mental health battles alone.