At Shemar Stewart’s first press conference after joining the Cincinnati Bengals, the first person he acknowledged wasn’t a coach, agent, or even a teammate. He looked around the crowd until he found Moe Marquez, and he said, “He taught me how to be a man,” with a mixture of pride and gratitude.
It was not merely a ceremonial sentiment. It was the result of years of consistent mentoring from a man who wasn’t his biological father but served as the foundation for his development both personally and athletically. Their story started almost by coincidence when a tall freshman showed up at the door while Marquez was a first-year assistant coach at Monsignor Pace High School. At six feet four and still getting used to his own physique, Shemar appeared to be the epitome of untapped potential.
Shemar Stewart Bio & Career Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Shemar Stewart |
| Date of Birth | November 12, 2003 |
| Birthplace | Miami, Florida, USA |
| Height | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) |
| Weight | 267 lb (121 kg) |
| Position | Defensive End |
| College | Texas A&M (2022–2024) |
| NFL Team | Cincinnati Bengals |
| Draft | 2025 NFL Draft – Round 1, Pick 17 |
| Father Figure | Moe Marquez |
| High School | Monsignor Pace High School |
| Reference |
Marquez has a clear memory of the incident. “Who is this?” he turned to the head coach. The spark was the response: “It’s one of your guys.” He looked back at Shemar and said, “I’m going to make you the best player in the country,” a declaration that would later come to define them both.
Stewart’s abilities were far from refined at the time. He appeared hesitant, uncertain of his footwork, and frequently overpowered at the line on camera. Marquez’s faith, however, remained unwavering. Their bond developed naturally as a result of their small deeds of kindness. Sometimes Shemar was just hungry, and other times he needed advice, so he would drop by Marquez’s house. Those visits evolved into mentoring, which in turn became familial. Blood couldn’t bring us closer, Marquez frequently asserts.
Marquez was teaching Stewart life lessons by putting him through drills and game tape, including how to manage obligations, deal with failure, and remain composed. Given that Stewart grew up in Miami, where opportunity and adversity frequently coexist, this was especially crucial. Due to financial limitations, the path to collegiate athletics and, ultimately, the NFL was not simple.
Marquez admits that Stewart’s resilience was shaped by some difficulties that were too private to discuss in public. He points out that Shemar had to grow up fast, avoiding the carefree adolescence that many teenagers consider normal. But those same conditions, along with constant coaching, helped him develop the mental toughness that would earn him a pick in the first round of the NFL draft.
Stewart was no longer the uncertain freshman when he committed to Texas A&M. He became a five-star recruit after developing into a dominant defensive end. Unrelenting effort and steadfast support enabled him to be selected 17th overall in the 2025 draft three seasons later.
Standing between Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase’s stalls in the Bengals’ locker room, Marquez gazed at Stewart’s new No. 97 jersey. He had the look of a confident and proud man. “He’s amazing,” he declared, “and he will be fantastic for the city.” He will serve as an example.
Because it addresses a universal truth—that family is based on commitment rather than just biology—this story has resonance beyond football. Similar tales recur throughout sports, such as Giannis Antetokounmpo’s relationship with his older brother or Michael Oher’s relationship with the Tuohy family. Support systems were especially important in forming champions in each instance.
Stewart’s ascent also brings to light a more general truth about young sports: talent requires direction. Young athletes frequently need assistance navigating the difficult decisions that come with visibility and opportunity, in addition to skill development, in places like Miami where football is ingrained in the culture.
Stewart and Marquez’s embrace on draft night served a symbolic as well as celebratory purpose. Years of early workouts, challenging talks, mutual sacrifices, and unwavering loyalty were all captured in it. The Bengals selected the personification of commitment, tenacity, and the silent, life-changing force of mentoring rather than merely a player.
The lessons learned from his father figure—discipline, humility, and perseverance—remain crucial as Stewart embarks on his NFL career. Although fans will witness the tackles and sacks, every play has a backstory of trust that began with a fortuitous encounter at a high school door and has been developed over ten years.
