BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — “I just google recipes.”
Dean Marlowe talks in the WKBW AM Buffalo kitchen as he prepares our newsroom a dish.
He’s working on a blackened tilapia that he’ll plate over a seasoned jasmine rice and serve with sautéed kale.
(We can confirm, it was quite delicious.)
“I’m versatile, so I like doing a whole lot of things,” he said. “Whether it’s cooking something, or having a Play60 with kids or going to events with kids.”
Working with children is something Marlowe knows he’s passionate about even with the uncertainty of a career in the National Football League.
“I’m 26 years old, I’ve seen a lot in this business, I’ve seen a lot outside of it.”
Marlowe was signed in 2017 with the Bills after spending his first few seasons with the Panthers.
Last season he was waived, signed to the practice squad, called back up to active roster, waived again, signed to the practice squad again…then called up..again.
“Last year was an up and down season for me, personally. This year I was like ‘this is going to be my best year here’.”
Most players hop on the first plane back home after their last game of the season…not this one.
Marlowe said his determination to make this season with the Bills different from last started with his decision to make Buffalo home with his fiancée, Marlana.
“We moved here and so I was like alright, cook, we’re just going to stay here and work it out.’”
He’s spent his offseason learning to cook, exploring the city and its restaurants, and visiting with children’s programs to find one that he can be a part of — like the PUNT Fund.
It’s a group that works with children impacted by cancer.
“I’ve been in those situations to where I know you always have someone you look up to,” he said, talking about his passion for working with youth.
In between all of that, Marlowe is trying to figure out what comes next.
“It’s hard now beaus I’m so focused on trying to find some stability after football is over…I actually wrote on my wall in my apartment in college I won’t have a regular 9-5, I’m gonna play, I’m gonna play…I’m gonna keep playing until the wheels fall off.”
