Marvell Tell III

Marvell Tell III's Biography

Marvell Tell III, an American football cornerback born on August 2, 1996, started his football journey at a young age. Growing up in Encino, California, Tell demonstrated his exceptional talent in high school, playing as a free safety at Crespi Carmelite High School. During his sophomore year, he showed remarkable skill by intercepting a pass and delivering over 50 tackles, resulting in ten scholarship offers. Despite enduring a broken collarbone part way through his junior season, Marvell remained undeterred.

His senior year was marked with his commitment to the University of Southern California (USC), announced during the renowned Army All-American Bowl. Facing offers from Oregon, Texas A&M, and Vanderbilt, Tell distinguished USC as his preferred choice after visiting all four institutions. To begin his freshman year, he played sporadically; however, in his sophomore year at USC, Marvell secured a starting position in the school’s defensive backfield.

Following his junior season, Marvell made the All-Pac-12 Conference first-team in 2017. He had a strong performance throughout the season, showcasing his talent and resilience. However, in his senior year, Tell experienced a setback after sustaining an ankle sprain. Despite this, his performance won him honorable mention on the 2018 All-Pac-12 team at the season’s end.

As Marvell advanced in his career, he turned heads at the 2019 NFL Combine, impressing scouts with a 42-inch vertical jump. His speed and fluidity on the field appealed to scouts, but there were concerns about his less tangible qualities.

This did not deter the Indianapolis Colts who drafted Tell in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, securing him as the 144th pick. During a match against the Pittsburgh Steelers in week 9, Tell stunned spectators by forcing a fumble on running back Jaylen Samuels, which was recovered by his teammate, Justin Houston.

In 2020, Marvell chose to opt out of the season due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In September 2021, despite being waived by the Colts, Marvell was immediately re-signed to the practice squad. He re-signed with the Colts on February 21, 2022, only to be waived later that year on August 30.

Just two days later, on September 1, 2022, the Cincinnati Bengals signed Tell to their practice squad. His career took a positive turn when he signed a reserve/future contract on January 31, 2023. Unfortunately, he was placed on injured reserve on August 29, 2023, and was subsequently released on September 19.

Marvell Tell III’s career embodies the resilience, determination, and talent required to succeed in American football. His journey, with its achievements and setbacks, unfolds a gripping narrative of a young athlete’s pursuit of his NFL dreams.