Former Eagles Cornerback Mark McMillian will look to LIFT the spirit of children at his 4th annual camp

Mark McMillian is a former NFL player, Emmy Award winner, outreach program founder, has been on the airwaves with ESPN radio, a TV personality, Master Griller, and was a fan favorite during his time with Philadelphia. Quite the résumé! 

He was a feisty and determined competitor as a cornerback for the Philadelphia Eagles and he will be back in the area later this month bringing that same energy to support his 4th annual LIFT foundation camp in support of harassed and bullied children.

The Eagles drafted Mark in the 10th round with the 272nd pick in the 1992 NFL Draft. Affectionately called “Mighty Mouse” by his teammates, due to his 5-foot 7-inch stature and strong-willed determination, he quickly became another underdog, in a city with a lot of them, that the fans rooted for. McMillian is listed as one of the ten shortest players to ever play in the NFL. He is the only one of the ten to play cornerback.

His impactful 4-year tenure (1992–95) as a Philadelphia Eagle earned him a spot on the Eagles’ top 10 corners of the Super Bowl era (shameless plug).

Responding to that article Mark stated, “Appreciate that. Not bad for a 10th Rd guy up against a bunch of 1st and 2nd rounders”

McMillian would go on to play 4 more seasons in the NFL. He accomplished a lot during his years in the NFL but said he was most proud of the relationships he forged.

“I would say just having respect from the guys. From the teams. From my opponents,” he says. “We play this game and everybody can’t make it into the Hall of Fame, and everybody’s not going to win a Super Bowl, but when you can get a guy like a Reggie White or an Eric Allen or playing against a Cris Carter or Art Monk, guys that are in the Hall of Fame, give you props after a game, you can’t put a price tag on that.”

While the accolades were piling up on the field, his impact off the field would be even bigger after he retired. 

Mark has had an entrepreneurial spirit since his playing days. During his time in Philadelphia, he was one of the founders of “Little Big Men” with fellow Eagles teammate Jeff Sydner. Mark stated that the segment, Little Big Men, showcased the highlights from players under 6 feet. In October of 1995, McMillian, a broadcast journalism major at Alabama, won an Emmy Award for his segment that aired on teammate Randall Cunningham’s weekly pregame show.

Most recently, you may have seen Mark on your TV screen while he was cooking on the Gordon Ramsey hit show Next Level Chef.

Always the athlete, Mark used a football analogy in describing his time on the show.

“Being on Next Level Chef was like GAMEDAY you had to bring it every time you stepped in the kitchen.”

Business and cooking have long been a passion for Mark. He utilizes that same savvy business sense, to promote his current endeavors. 

“I started Grilling McMillian in 2010. I wanted to bring together friends, teammates, and families through grilling.” 

Making a difference for his community and beyond is at the forefront of all his decisions. 

“The football part about it is exciting but you know, to see the kids’ faces from when they start a little shy, to by the end of the camp seeing their faces light up and seeing them have a little bit more confidence in themselves. That’s what it’s all about, teach kids about self-esteem and stop bullying because the suicide rate right now for these young youth kids is really high.”

Mark’s passion for his nonprofit venture, aptly named LIFT, is evident through his determination to expand the program with the proceeds he donates through his business ventures which help keep the foundation moving forward. 

“I launched my LIFT program for high school kids that are being bullied. I want to launch the program in cities across the country to help bring more awareness, and give these (kids) a platform where they can feel comfortable, as well as (myself) doing camps and retreats with these young men.” 

There will be two opportunities to support this wonderful foundation and meet Mark in person later this month.

First on June 21st between 4 and 8 p.m. at Troegs Independent Brewing. He will greet everyone on the patio where you can sample his Grill’n McMillian sauces and seasonings and learn about the LIFT program. 

The following day, June 22, Mark will be in Lancaster between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m. at Clipper Magazine Stadium. 

If you have a child who wants to participate in the program, it is open to all young adults from the 3rd to 12th grade. You can register by going to www.camp29.eventbrite.com