Before ‘LSU game shoe thrower’ became his most popular identity and before he was drafted by the Cardinals in 2021, Marco Wilson’s dreams looked different. Every stadium he passed by was replicated to near perfection in his drawing book. He’d redraw the structures, even imagine a top view, and question where he was headed. His obvious guess? To become an architect. 

But that was just the beginning for Wilson. The Cincinnati Bengals CB’s books would soon go from doodles and structures to cartoons. “You need to do something with your art,” his mother would tell him. While the NFL went on to become his dream and took up a major chunk of his life, he has finally followed through on his mother’s words.

The NFL has announced that this year’s Artist Replay will feature original artworks from the cornerback. This will make Marco Wilson the first NFL player to contribute to the initiative that amplifies the work and voices of BIPOC artists from around the world.

Zac Taylor’s backup CB will be joined by feature artists Calvin Clausell Jr., Kayla Mahaffey, McFlyy, Joseph Anthony Perez a.k.a. Sentrock, and Sydnie & Haylie Jimenez in December, during Art Basel in Miami. 

The 26-year-old, whose drawings once included reimagined Dragon Ball characters, now employs bold palettes and layered textures. They carry the themes of resilience, identity, and motion, likely drawing from a journey that has seen him hop across different teams and three waivers. On the Miami Beach this December, Wilson will bring an art that explores athletic discipline and artistic expression. 

Two passions, one space; Wilson couldn’t have asked for anything better. “Art has always been a creative outlet for me,” he said on September 17. “Being part of NFL Artist Replay gives me the opportunity to display two talents I have been blessed with by God.”

Before Art Basel becomes the ground for ‘Wilson the artist,’ the CB has been ensuring that his skills aren’t put on the back burner. Be it spray painting on his friends’ suitcase impromptu or filling up his room with the artworks, the 26-year-old hasn’t stopped. Car bonnets, random pillars, or even the bare side of a building have been his canvas. Wilson’s Instagram shows that he leaves his mark wherever he finds an opportunity. 

The NFL has seen numerous players-to-artists success stories play out. To start with, Ernie Barnes, a Denver Broncos guard, went on to become a renowned painter. Nate Jackson, a wide receiver in the 2000s, is now a best-selling author. Then there was Mike Reid, a Bengals’ defensive lineman in the 70s, who co-wrote songs, one of which won a Grammy. Wilson is following a similar path. He is already poised for success off the gridiron with his fashion brand, HIP. 3399, and the showcase at Miami is just another boaster. 

The in-person event will hit Miami, December 5-7. Here are more details:

• Friday, December 5: The day kicks off with a private gallery event and an artist panel.
• Saturday, December 6: Opens up to the community with workshops and a session featuring NFL Legends.
• Sunday, December 7: The event will wrap up with a Dolphins game-day watch party.