Suvechha Sarkar
In season 2 of Netflix’s ‘Squid Game: The Challenge,’ very few contestants stood out for their integrity as much as Marcus Applefield—Player 21. Being a former NFL player, he brought his discipline and team-first mentality into the competition. One of his most defining moments came before the game Mingle, when he discovered a hidden message inside the spoon packet given to him during his meal. It revealed the name of the next game and the number of people who were supposed to be chosen in the first group. Initially, Marcus contemplated keeping the information secret, but he eventually decided to share it with his allies, among whom Austin Carpenter was his closest. However, when his closest ally and other remarkable players were sent home in episode 4, Marcus truly became very upset.
Marcus Applefield is Channeling His NFL Discipline as a Gym Owner
Marcus has always embodied the same drive that defined him on the show. Long before the competition, the player had already established an impressive foundation in both academics and athletics. He completed a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice/Police Science at Rutgers University in 2018. Marcus then earned a Master’s degree in Psychology Teacher Education from the University of Virginia in 2019. His professional journey began in 2014 as the Rutgers Football Summer Camp Coach at the university. In December of that same year, he became a student-athlete for the University of Virginia (UVA). Marcus stayed in the first position until 2018 and continued playing at UVA till May 2019.
Marcus also briefly served as a Detective Bureau Intern for the New Jersey State Police from May to August 2017. His talent and perseverance eventually led him to the National Football League (NFL). In May 2019, he proudly joined the Baltimore Ravens and showcased his skills there until June 2021. After retiring from professional football, Marcus transitioned into law enforcement, serving as a Deputy with the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, and served in the position until October 2023. While working in that role, his entrepreneurial spirit began to take shape. Finally, in September 2023, Marcus became the founder and Athletic Director of Prospect Performance, his own gym in Florida. It is dedicated to athlete development, personal training, group fitness, and mentorship.
Marcus is Empowering Athletes Through His Gym and Content Creation
Prospect Performance has become a hub for athletes and fitness enthusiasts, as the gym features coaches with experience in both College Football (CFB) and the NFL. The gym’s website currently offers a variety of merchandise items, including T-shirts, ladies’ Razorback tank tops, trucker hats, bucket hats, long-sleeve shirts, and many more items. In January 2025, Marcus was announced as the Director Coach of Drive7Bigs, a platform exclusively dedicated to 5v5 lineman competitions. By May, he shared about the release of ‘The Daily Grind,’ which is a planner designed to guide athletes through goal-setting and personal growth. It was inspired by his passion for athlete development and is available on Amazon.
Just a month later, Marcus announced that Prospect Performance would also be assisting with college football recruitment. By the following October, his gym hosted its own seven-versus-seven tryouts, marking another milestone in his expanding venture. Beyond fitness, he has stepped into the role of a Digital Creator. Marcus actively promotes his brand through social media, particularly on Instagram, where he has over 12.1K followers. Besides sharing motivational content on the platform, he offers sneak peeks into his personal life. Moreover, he has collaborated with brands like Purus Labs and utilizes the platform to share workout routines, healthy lifestyle tips, and advice tailored for athletes. It is worth noting that Marcus is continuing his lifelong mission to mentor the next generation of athletes.
Marcus Leads a Life Full of Love Surrounded by His Fiancé and Children
When it comes to his personal life, Marcus prefers to keep most of the details private. However, occasional glimpses reveal a man whose world revolves entirely around his wife, Liz, their little girl, Ava, and their son, Kai. The couple had been together for quite some time before reaching a significant milestone in their lives in March 2023, when they announced that they were expecting a baby by September of that year. In the following month, Marcus took another step toward their future when he proposed to his soulmate, and she joyfully accepted. Not long after their engagement in September, the pair finally welcomed their daughter, Ava, into the world.
While speaking about Liz and Ava, Marcus affectionately referred to them as “My Forever Valentines.” Whether it be going out on romantic dates with his wife or enjoying family days filled with laughter, he never misses a chance to celebrate the simple joys of togetherness. In October 2024, Liz revealed that they were eager to bring their baby boy into their lives. Ultimately, their world was lit up with immense joy when Kai was born in March 2025. Besides that, Marcus and Liz often travel to beautiful destinations, from the snowcapped mountains of Banff, Alberta, and the majestic Niagara Falls, to the sun-kissed beaches of Jamaica.
Beyond his familial life, Marcus is a fitness enthusiast who maintains a rigorous training regimen to stay in peak physical shape. He also loves spending his time by the water and going on adventurous treks. Over the years, he has traveled to several parts of the world, where he has spent his time learning about the cultures of those countries. In February 2022, the player made his way to the beautiful landscapes of Israel, which was followed by his trip to Africa in January 2023. Marcus’ life today can easily be described as one of balance, fulfillment, and deep gratitude.
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