065: Angela Marshall – The Story and Life of an Ex-NFL Wife

Reality to Rags to Riches

Angela Marshall, also known as “Author Stone,” is the author of Reality to Rags to Riches – The Story and Life of an Ex-NFL Wife. She is a motivational speaker, a columnist, and a creative writing consultant.

Today, she talks about how she had struggled through a lavish but sorely lacking lifestyle as a former NFL wife, leaping from a life of emptiness into ultimately finding that sense of purpose – living vicariously through herself.

What We Discuss with Angela Marshall:

How she dealt with bullying and name-calling as she was growing up
Having to hide her pregnancy and the challenges that came along
From a normal life to living an NFL lifestyle
Struggling with her personal issues and feeling the emptiness
Having “disconnects” in her life that she can’t even remember certain points in her life
Living a luxurious lifestyle but losing her sense of purpose up to the point of almost committing suicide
Life after her marriage with her kids leaping from one life to another
Slowly developing her backbones as she began to figure her life out
Living vicariously through yourself and not having to live for other people
Reconciling with her mom whom she had abandonment issues with
Leaving the workforce after 16 years and deciding to become an entrepreneur

[01:27] Her Growing Up Years

Angela grew up in Augusta, Georgia, which was a pretty decent place and she was raised by her grandparents. It wasn’t until middle school that she had to deal with bullying and name-calling because she didn’t fit in.

She was 14 when she met her boyfriend, Arthur, in high school. She initially hid her pregnancy and ended up living with her boyfriend while studying and working at the same time.

[14:25] Less Money, Minimal Problems to More Money and Maximum Problems

At the time she already had two children, she felt more and more disconnected and filled with heavy emotions. After matriculating from college, Arthur got drafted into NFL in 1992.

Leaving home and the support of family and friends, they moved to Denver where she got introduced to a crazy lifestyle. At this time, she still felt that void.

Angela felt all the pressure that went along with the NFL-lifestyle. She describes her relationship as being children raising children. Her life was just a mess.

After moving to Denver, she and Arthur got married in the summer of 1993 but in the summer of 1992, they were battling for custody over their kids. She couldn’t remember certain periods in her life – some sort of a protection mechanism.

They were living comfortably and helping family members. They were practically living a luxurious lifestyle. But Angela still felt empty amidst all those.

[30:03] Getting Separated and Living Vicariously Through Herself

Angela admits having her own personal issues, she knew that divorce was waiting to happen. It was one of the hardest times of her life. She even went to being suicidal. Fortunately, she was saved by her daughter.

Feeling the pressure from other people about the kind of life she should be living, she wanted to tell her own story in her own way.

While her husband wanted to keep the family just for a facade, Angela was firm about having her life back so she can figure things out.

Angela’s kids decided to stay with her and she had to make things work for her kids. They eventually moved from a two-bedroom to a three-bedroom house.

[43:38] Reconciling with Her Mom

Angela had abandonment issues with her mom who got diagnosed with cancer. This was a pivotal point in her life as she learned how to release her anger.

Once her mom told her why she had to leave her with her grandparents, she began to see herself in a different light. Three days after their conversation, her mom passed away.

[50:00] Returning to Self

Being in the workforce for 16 years, she decided to make another leap to become an entrepreneur.

Sure, there were challenges along the way, but new doors of opportunity also opened for her.

[55:40] Words of Wisdom to Other Aspiring Authors

If you’re thinking of writing an autobiography, be sure you want your life to be an open book. You will be scrutinized. But it’s very liberating when you’re able to tell your story and impact others.

Make time to write your story. Set your goals. Make time and stop making excuses.