My gameday appearance has been a lightning rod for both attention and criticism throughout the years. From the two feet of hair flowing out of the back of my helmet to the “Fear God” tape on the front of my helmet, I would be ignorant not to acknowledge that my look is tremendously unique. But they say goalies are a different breed, right? You might as well lean in and have a little fun with it.
Interestingly enough, the “Fear God” tape only became a thing when goalies were briefly required to wear the Cascade face shield for COVID-19. Like most things in my life, I needed to find a way to put my own distinct twist on it. Goalies have traditionally written initials or words on their throat guard, but has anyone ever written something on their actual facemask? The wheels started turning.
The phrase dates back to a 2015 episode of NFL “Hard Knocks” with former Houston Texans receiver DeAndre Hopkins. Hopkins got into an altercation with one of Washington’s players and repeatedly muttered the phrase, “I fear God.” It was just an emotional quote in the heat of battle, but I interpreted it as more of a mindset in order to be successful. To be great at anything in life, it is imperative to overcome fear. The fear of rejection. The fear of criticism. The fear of getting hit with the ball. After all, when you are staring down the barrel of a 90-plus mph shot, there is no time to be afraid — you need to make a play.
How did my family feel about my look? “Well, that’s just Marc.” That’s about it. At the end of the day, I am just being me. I march to the beat of my own drum and don’t really care what others have to say. If I want to wear a LeBron James high school jersey under my pads with my father’s dog tags hanging out the front, I am going to do it, and I am going to cause problems for your team all day while doing it, too.
I am wounded. I am currently donning 14 stitches in my right knee, and the scars and bruises that cover my body remind me of just how long I have been involved in the game. Sometimes, it is a battle just to walk without a limp, let alone hop in the cage and take shots. I am worn out in all three phases of life; physically, mentally and emotionally. There are days where I think, “Why am I still playing?”
The answer is simple: Because I can. And I will be damned if I just throw in the towel at this point. The game means too much to my father and I.
Do you have a story to share? Please email Kenny DeJohn (kdejohn@usalacrosse.com) with “UNTOLD” in the subject line.