Brief Introduction of Woody Marks
Jo’Quavious Dequane “Woody” Marks is an emerging American professional football player, renowned for his versatile skills as a running back in the National Football League (NFL). Born on December 29, 2000, Marks gained significant recognition during his collegiate career at Mississippi State University and the University of Southern California (USC) before being selected by the Houston Texans in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft. He is particularly known for his exceptional pass-catching ability out of the backfield, patient running style, and consistent production, which made him a dual-threat weapon throughout his college tenure. His nickname “Woody” originates from a childhood obsession with the protagonist from the Disney movie Toy Story.
Woody Marks Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Jo’Quavious Dequane Marks |
| Nickname | Woody |
| Date of Birth | December 29, 2000 |
| Age (as of August 25, 2025) | 24 years old |
| Birthplace | Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
| Weight | 207–215 lbs (94–98 kg) |
| Profession | Professional American Football Player (Running Back) |
| Current Team | Houston Texans (NFL) |
| College | Mississippi State (2020–2023), USC (2024) |
| NFL Draft | 2025, 4th Round, 116th Pick (Houston Texans) |
Early Life and Education of Woody Marks
Jo’Quavious Dequane Marks was born on December 29, 2000, in Atlanta, Georgia, where he also spent his formative years. His childhood was marked by a unique and enduring affinity for the Disney Pixar movie Toy Story, particularly its cowboy protagonist, Woody the Sheriff. This early obsession led to his enduring nickname, “Woody,” bestowed upon him by his grandmother. Marks reportedly dressed up as Woody for Halloween for seven consecutive years and even wore the costume almost daily in elementary school. His mother, Tameka Marks, played a significant role in his upbringing and later in his football career, even instructing game announcers to refer to him as “Woody” when they struggled with his given name.
Marks attended Carver High School in Atlanta, Georgia, where he quickly established himself as a standout football talent. During his high school career, he demonstrated exceptional rushing prowess, accumulating an impressive 6,391 rushing yards and scoring 59 touchdowns. His performance earned him a consensus four-star recruit rating from major scouting services like ESPN, Rivals, and 247Sports, ranking him among the top running back prospects in the 2020 class. He received more than 20 scholarship offers from prominent collegiate programs, including Alabama, Auburn, Florida, and Ohio State, before ultimately committing to Mississippi State University to play college football.
Woody Marks’s Career
Collegiate Career at Mississippi State (2020-2023)
Woody Marks began his collegiate football journey at Mississippi State University in 2020. As a true freshman, he made an immediate impact, starting eight of 11 games. During this season, he recorded 312 rushing yards on 70 carries with three touchdowns, alongside an impressive 60 receptions for 268 yards. His 60 receptions set a new school record for both freshmen and running backs in a single season. Marks consistently showcased his dual-threat capabilities, proving to be a valuable asset in both the running and passing game.
In his sophomore year (2021), Marks continued to be a key player, starting eight of 13 games. He rushed for 416 yards on 106 carries with six touchdowns and hauled in 83 receptions for 502 yards and three touchdowns. For his junior season in 2022, Marks started seven of 12 games, leading the team with 582 rushing yards on 113 carries and nine touchdowns. He also contributed 48 receptions for 288 yards. By his senior year in 2023, Marks had set the Mississippi State school record for career receptions by a running back (214) and receiving yards (1,225). In his final season with the Bulldogs, he accumulated 573 rushing yards on 121 carries with four touchdowns and 23 receptions for 167 yards and two touchdowns in nine games. He maintained an active streak of at least one reception in every game he played, which was the longest in the SEC and among the longest nationally at the time.
Transfer to USC (2024)
Following the 2023 season, Marks entered the transfer portal and subsequently transferred to the University of Southern California (USC) for his final year of eligibility in 2024. His decision was influenced by the opportunity to play in Coach Lincoln Riley‘s offense, which his family believed was a perfect fit for his versatile skillset. At USC, Marks quickly became a critical offensive weapon, leading the Trojans with 1,133 rushing yards on 198 carries and nine touchdowns. He also added 47 receptions for 321 receiving yards through the air. Marks’s performance in 2024 made him USC’s first 1,000-yard rusher since Ronald Jones II in 2017. He earned Second Team All-Big Ten honors for his contributions. Marks’s experience in multiple offensive systems further honed his football IQ and versatility.
Professional Career with the Houston Texans (2025-Present)
Woody Marks declared for the 2025 NFL Draft in December 2024. He participated in the NFL Scouting Combine, where he demonstrated solid athleticism, including a 4.54-second 40-yard dash, 18 bench press reps, a 35-inch vertical jump, and a 4.24-second 20-yard shuttle. Marks was selected by the Houston Texans in the fourth round, as the 116th overall pick, of the 2025 NFL Draft. The Texans reportedly traded up to secure Marks, highlighting their interest in his dual-threat capabilities.
Joining the Texans, Marks brings a versatile skillset that makes him a strong complementary piece in the backfield. His pass-catching ability and quickness offer a dynamic change-of-pace option, expected to immediately compete for third-down snaps and special teams work. He signed a four-year rookie contract with the Texans in May 2025. Marks quickly began to make an impact in the preseason, notably scoring a 9-yard touchdown run in a game against the Detroit Lions. He is viewed as a reliable playmaker who can contribute from day one in a modern NFL offense that values versatile running backs.
Woody Marks Personal Life & Family
Jo’Quavious “Woody” Marks maintains a relatively private personal life, with public information primarily revolving around his close family ties and his unique childhood. His mother, Tameka Marks, has been a steadfast source of support throughout his football career, famously ensuring his nickname “Woody” was used by high school announcers who struggled with his given name. Tameka Marks has been noted for her dedication, attending every one of her son’s college games, even traveling across the country to do so. His brother, Dontavious, and sister, along with a niece and friends, have also been part of his dedicated cheering section, particularly during his time at Mississippi State.
The origin of his nickname is a prominent aspect of his personal story. Marks’s profound childhood love for Disney’s Toy Story, specifically the character Woody, led to him wearing a Woody costume frequently and requesting Toy Story-themed items. This early attachment to the character evolved into his permanent nickname, used by family and friends. Marks earned his bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Mississippi State in 2023. An interesting tidbit about his leisure time is his enjoyment of bowling. He is also noted for his strong work ethic and commitment to his physical conditioning, having intentionally bulked up during his college career. As of the current information, there are no publicly verified details regarding a girlfriend, boyfriend, husband, or wife, aligning with his generally private demeanor regarding romantic relationships.
Awards and Achievements of Woody Marks
Woody Marks’s collegiate career was marked by numerous achievements and records, particularly his prowess as a pass-catching running back.
Collegiate Honors and Records:
- Mississippi State Freshman Record: Most receptions by a freshman (60 receptions in 2020)
- Mississippi State Running Back Record: Most receptions by a running back in a single season (60 receptions in 2020)
- Mississippi State Career Receptions Record: All-time leader in career receptions for a running back (214 receptions)
- Mississippi State Career Receiving Yards Record: Most receiving yards by a running back (1,225 yards)
- Longest Active Reception Streak: Held one of the nation’s longest active streaks for consecutive games with a reception (56 games until his final game at Mississippi State; 45 games at MSU was an SEC and national record at the time)
- Doak Walker Award Watch List: Named to the watch list multiple times (2023, 2024)
- Second Team All-Big Ten: Earned honors in 2024 with USC
- 1,000-Yard Rusher (USC): First USC running back to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark since Ronald Jones in 2017 (1,133 yards in 2024)
Woody Marks Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, Woody Marks’s primary source of income is his professional football contract with the Houston Texans. Following his selection in the fourth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Marks signed a four-year rookie deal. This contract is reported to be worth approximately $6.001 million, which includes base salaries distributed across the years. His base salaries are slated to be $840,000, $1.065 million, $1.29 million, and $1.515 million over the duration of the contract.
While precise net worth figures for athletes, especially rookies, are not publicly disclosed, his contract value provides a strong indication of his financial standing. Beyond his NFL salary, Marks’s past collegiate career, while not directly compensated through traditional salaries, likely involved Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals, which have become a significant income stream for high-profile college athletes. However, specific details of any such deals are not readily available in the public domain. His net worth will accumulate over his career from his playing contracts, potential endorsements, and investments.
Legacy and Influence
Woody Marks’s legacy is beginning to take shape as he transitions into the NFL, building upon a highly productive collegiate career. He has established himself as a prime example of a modern, versatile running back, capable of excelling in both rushing and receiving roles. His ability to consistently catch passes out of the backfield and break school records at Mississippi State has redefined expectations for the running back position within offensive schemes.
Marks’s impact extends beyond statistics; he is recognized for his strong work ethic and dedication to physical conditioning. His transformation from a 195-pound freshman to a bulked-up athlete at Mississippi State, driven by a focused nutritional plan and intense training, serves as an inspiration for aspiring players. Coaches have praised his maturity, professionalism, and high football IQ, noting his reliability and ability to perform under pressure. His patient running style, vision, and elusiveness on the field have made him a respected figure among teammates and opponents. As he embarks on his NFL career, Marks is poised to influence the game through his dynamic play and contribute to the evolution of the running back position in professional football.
Interesting Facts about Woody Marks
- Nickname Origin: His famous nickname “Woody” originated from his childhood love for the Disney Pixar movie Toy Story, specifically the character Woody the Sheriff. He reportedly wore a Woody costume frequently as a child, even to elementary school.
- Family Dedication: His mother, Tameka Marks, has been incredibly supportive, attending every single one of his college football games, regardless of distance.
- Academic Achievement: Marks earned his bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Mississippi State University in 2023.
- Culinary Skills: During his time at Mississippi State, he learned to cook and became particularly proud of his chicken fajita recipe, often shared by the team’s nutritionist as a healthy meal option for athletes.
- Hidden Talent: Woody Marks enjoys going bowling in his leisure time.
- NFL Draft Acumen: The Houston Texans reportedly traded up in the 2025 NFL Draft to select Marks, indicating their strong belief in his potential and versatility.
Controversies
As of the current available public information, there are no known significant controversies or challenges associated with Jo’Quavious “Woody” Marks’s personal or professional life. His career has been characterized by consistent performance and a positive public image throughout his collegiate and early professional years.
Social Media Presence
Woody Marks maintains a presence on social media platforms, allowing fans to follow his career and personal updates. He is active on Instagram under the handle @lucky4._, where he shares aspects of his life and football journey. While specific, constantly updated follower counts are dynamic and not consistently provided across verified sources, his public profiles demonstrate engagement with his fanbase. Additionally, his activities and highlights are often featured on official team and sports media social channels, including TikTok and YouTube.
Final Words about Woody Marks
Jo’Quavious “Woody” Marks stands at the exciting precipice of his NFL career, having already carved out a remarkable legacy in college football. His journey from a standout high school talent in Atlanta, Georgia, through record-breaking seasons at Mississippi State, and a highly impactful year at USC, underscores his rare combination of rushing power, agility, and elite pass-catching ability. Now, as a Houston Texan, Marks is poised to bring his versatile skillset to the professional stage, offering a dynamic and reliable option in the team’s backfield.
His dedication, evident in his academic pursuits and physical conditioning, coupled with a grounded personal life supported by a devoted family, paints a picture of a disciplined and well-rounded athlete. While his professional career is just beginning, the foundation he has built suggests a promising future. As of 2025, Woody Marks represents the modern NFL running back – adaptable, multifaceted, and ready to make an immediate impact, solidifying his place as a player to watch in the league for years to come. His continuous drive for excellence and his consistent performance indicate that his legacy in American football is only just beginning.
