DaMarcus Fields’ college credentials extend far beyond the interceptions and tackles he registered as a standout at Texas Tech University.
He was the first member of his family to earn a university degree.
“That’s probably the reason why I stayed in college for another year,” the Saskatchewan Roughriders’ defensive halfback says. “My mom didn’t want me leaving college without the degree, so I’m happy I got it.
“It was a long journey. It was a hard journey. But, just looking back at it, I was happy that I got it and I can’t wait to use it.”
Fields majored in public relations while playing NCAA football for the Texas Tech Red Raiders from 2016 to 2021.
“For the majority of the guys, you go to school for free,” he notes. “The degree is just ‘why not?’ You might as well knock it out while you can.
“A lot of people don’t get the chance for their college education to be free, so take advantage of what you do have. That’s what I tell people.”
Including those closest to him.
“I just wanted to be an example for my brothers and sisters, who I have a lot of,” Fields says. “I just want to show them the way and show them how to go through life. Getting my degree was a milestone.”
Other milestone moments have followed.
For example, he made his NFL debut on Sept. 25, 2022, as a member of the New Orleans Saints. That is a notable feat for any player, especially one who is undrafted.
One week later, Fields suited up when the Saints opposed the Minnesota Vikings at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England.
He subsequently spent time with the Washington Commanders before signing with Saskatchewan on March 25, 2024.
“NFL does stand for Not For Long, but I enjoyed every moment of it,” Fields says. “I’m just happy to be where I’m at.”
Fields has started all 29 of the Roughriders’ regular-season and playoff games since becoming a CFLer.
“I’m really here because I love playing football,” he says. “This gave me the opportunity to play football and do it at high level, which I hadn’t done in a minute.
“It was just fun to be back out here, moving around again, and feeling like a kid.”
As a kid, he played a variety of sports in Taylor, Texas — a Swift Current-sized community near the state capital of Austin.
At Taylor High School, he excelled in football, basketball and as a sprinter on the track team.
The sporting portfolio was eventually narrowed down to football — period.
“I didn’t like track practice, but I liked the meets, though,” the 6-foot-0, 200-pounder says with a laugh. “That’s cool.
“I wasn’t tall enough to play basketball. In baseball, I got two black eyes from pop-ups.
“My mom was like, ‘Football would probably be the best option for you,’ so I chose football.”
Which, in this case, sounds significantly safer than baseball.
“Baseball was bad,” Fields says. “It’s something that you’ve got to start early. I tried to pop in and there were two pop flies hitting two black eyes.”
Fields has provided some pop to a hard-hitting Saskatchewan defence that has helped the team win eight of its first nine games this season.
He has 29 defensive tackles, eight special teams stops and three pass knockdowns as a second-year CFLer. Last year, he registered 49 defensive tackles (including two for a loss), one interception, one sack and three pass knockdowns.
And he is just getting started.
At 27, there is plenty of football ahead. Once the playing career does conclude, he can put the well-earned public relations degree to good use.
“I would like to be around a football team or helping the social media team,” he says. “I still want to be around football and I think I could bring some new, fresh ideas.”
That, too, would make Mom proud.
