Nico Marquez '27: The Commitment Behind an Undefeated Football Season
November 12, 2026
For Nico Marquez ’27, football has been part of his experience at The Episcopal School of Dallas (ESD) long before he took the field as a varsity player in the Gene & Jerry Jones Family Stadium. Having attended ESD football games for 15 years, Nico grew up watching the student-athletes he admired represent the school. Now, as a senior running back and linebacker, he is part of a team enjoying a remarkable season, building on last year's 3-6 record to reach an undefeated 11-0 mark and adding another notable chapter to ESD’s football history.
The team’s success reflects a season of intentional preparation, discipline, and shared commitment. After last year, the players and coaches approached the season with a renewed focus on organization and preparation. Practices follow carefully planned schedules, with each minute dedicated to specific work. The team has also placed greater emphasis on understanding its offensive and defensive systems beyond the field, using classroom-style instruction to help players recognize their responsibilities and make more informed decisions during games.
For Nico, those adjustments have strengthened the team’s ability to work together toward a common goal. Having a deeper understanding of the playbook has helped players approach each game with greater confidence and cohesion, while the structure of each practice has reinforced the importance of preparation and accountability.
That commitment has extended well beyond the regular season. Nico and his fellow senior teammates have spent summers and offseasons building the strength and skills needed to compete at the varsity level. Having played tackle football for six years, Nico has also experienced the importance of mentorship within the program. He credits the upperclassmen who encouraged him when he first joined varsity as a freshman, as well as Bob Benson, Upper School History teacher, Athletic Liaison to College Guidance, and Football Program Director, with helping shape his development as a player.
According to Nico, reaching an undefeated record has made those years of preparation especially meaningful. “Being a part of an undefeated team has made the last four years worth every minute we seniors have sacrificed,” he shared. “Every summer of high school and every offseason, we have spent in the weight room and on the field getting stronger and faster for this season.”
The season has reinforced the value of dedication, trust, and the relationships built through working toward a common goal. For Nico, those connections are among the most meaningful parts of playing football. “The idea of being part of a team and the camaraderie that comes with it drew me to football,” he said. “It’s how I met my friends and teammates that I accomplished this achievement with.”
At ESD, our Athletics program serves as an extension of the classroom, giving students opportunities to develop discipline, perseverance, sportsmanship, and respect for others. For Nico, four years spent in the football program have offered lessons that reach beyond the field, including the importance of supporting teammates, learning from coaches, and remaining committed to a goal even when the work is demanding.
As he reflects on his final season, Nico is especially mindful of the perspective he has gained as a student who once watched the varsity team from the stands. “Being part of an undefeated team for my senior year is a dream I have had for a long time,” he said. “I’ve been going to ESD football games for 15 years and have looked up to the varsity football players for my whole time at ESD. Now, being part of a group that is celebrated by our school for a dominant 11-0 season is the best possible ending for my time at ESD.”
With the Fall 2026 SPC 3A Championship ahead, Nico and his teammates have one more opportunity to bring their season-long commitment to a championship finish. The Eagles will face The Oakridge School at ESD on Saturday, November 14, at 7:00 p.m. As the team takes the field for its final game of the season, the ESD community will be cheering them on and hoping for one more win to cap an extraordinary, undefeated season.
