Marquez Valdes-Scantling
A blisteringly fast deep threat whose game-breaking speed helped power the Kansas City Chiefs' dynasty to back-to-back Super Bowl victories.
Born 1994 (age 32)·American football player·Birthday: October 10·Millennials
Biography
Marquez Valdes-Scantling built a career on one devastating skill: pure, unadulterated speed. A fifth-round draft pick by the Green Bay Packers out of South Florida, where he transferred after beginning at NC State, his role was clear from the start—stretch the field and take the top off the defense. While consistency with routine catches sometimes eluded him, his ability to blow past cornerbacks for long touchdowns made him a constant strategic concern for opponents. His career found its ultimate purpose when he signed with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2022. Paired with Patrick Mahomes, MVS's vertical threat became a critical component of the Chiefs' offensive ecosystem, creating space for Travis Kelce and others. His clutch performances in multiple playoff runs, including key catches in both Super Bowl LVII and LVIII, cemented his legacy as a specialist who delivered when the lights were brightest.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Marquez was born in 1994, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Marquez Was Born
The biggest hits of 1994
#1 Movie
The Lion King
Best Picture
Forrest Gump
#1 TV Show
Seinfeld
Marquez's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1994Born
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1999Started school
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2007Became a teenager
iPhone released; Great Recession begins
Gas: $2.80/galHome: $172,600Min wage: $5.85/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Irreplaceable" — BeyonceBest Picture: No Country for Old Men
2010Could drive
Deepwater Horizon oil spill; iPad launched
Gas: $2.79/galHome: $147,800Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Tik Tok" — KeshaBest Picture: The King's Speech
2012Could vote
Curiosity rover lands on Mars; Sandy Hook shooting
Gas: $3.64/galHome: $143,200Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Somebody That I Used to Know" — GotyeBest Picture: Argo
2015Turned 21
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2024Turned 30
AI reshapes industries; Paris Olympics
Gas: $3.31/galHome: $372,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Espresso" — Sabrina CarpenterBest Picture: Anora
2026Age 32 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won back-to-back Super Bowls (LVII and LVIII) with the Kansas City Chiefs.
- Recorded a 68-yard touchdown reception in Super Bowl LVII against the Philadelphia Eagles.
- Averaged over 17 yards per reception across his first six NFL seasons.
- Posted a 1,000-yard receiving season with the Green Bay Packers in 2020.
Did You Know?
His mother combined her last name (Valdes) and his father's last name (Scantling) to create his hyphenated surname.
He ran a 4.37-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine.
He played one season of college football at NC State before transferring to South Florida.
He is an avid chess player and often plays to sharpen his mental focus.
“Speed kills, but it also opens up everything else for everybody.”
