Despite a 27-0 home loss to Seminole, it was a night to celebrate at Lake Howell high school on Friday. Chicago Bears wide receiver returned home this weekend to have his #14 Silver Hawks jersey retired.
"It was awesome. I didn't really expect this. It was shocking to me when they even considered retiring my jersey. To come home to this, it's amazing, I'm gonna take it all in!" exclaimed Marshall, who graduated from Lake Howell in 2002.
Marshall went on to become a 4-year letter winner at UCF before being drafted by the Denver Broncos in 2006. The 3 time NFL Pro Bowl selection, and 2011 Pro Bowl MVP spent the past 2 seasons as a member of the Miami Dolphins, but signed a contract with the Chicago Bears during the off-season.
Marshall established The Brandon Marshall Foundation in 2010, and hosts his annual CAMP 15 at Lake Howell. It's a free football camp that offers kids the chance to develop individual and team football skills, but more importantly, life skills as well.
"This is home to me, I'm getting goosebumps just thinking about it, if it wasn't for my Lake Howell family, I wouldn't be where I am today. There were so many people that were there to give me constructive criticism, to give me love, to cheer me on, and to give words of wisdom when I needed it."
Marshall plans on attending UCF's home opener against Florida International on Saturday.
Jeff Radcliffe is a reporter for Bright House Sports Network. Follow him on Twitter @Jeff_Radcliffe