Old Dominion Hall of Famer Thomas DeMarco joins The Monarchists Podcast to take a trip down memory lane — from his recruitment to ODU’s first-ever football team, to that unforgettable first touchdown, comeback wins, the bond among the original Monarchs, and his post-football life.

DeMarco opens up about the challenges of starting a brand-new program, his time in the CFL, lessons learned as a student-athlete, and how those experiences shaped his life and career today. It’s a funny, heartfelt, and inspiring conversation about leadership, loyalty, and the early days of Old Dominion football.

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📘 CHAPTERS

00:00 – Presented by The Pride of ODU

00:15 – Welcome back, Monarch Nation

01:00 – How Thomas DeMarco got recruited to ODU

03:00 – Arriving in Norfolk: from California to “Nawfik”

04:00 – Competing for the QB1 spot

05:00 – The first ODU touchdown and DeMarco-to-Thomas connection

06:00 – The buildup to ODU’s first game in 70 years

07:00 – Tailgating, Monarch Walk, and game-day emotions

08:00 – The Jacksonville comeback and brutal Florida humidity

10:00 – Camaraderie and lifelong bonds of the first team

12:00 – Building culture and setting the standard

14:00 – Transition to the CAA and proving they belonged

16:00 – The William & Mary game: going toe to toe with the best

18:00 – Favorite ODU memory and senior day emotions

20:00 – The legend of Jonathan Plisco and Taylor Heinicke’s punting

21:00 – The injury at UMass and the end of a playing career

23:00 – Processing life after football

25:00 – Advice to young Monarchs and student-athletes

27:00 – Playing in the CFL: learning a new game

30:00 – Life and lessons from Canada

32:00 – Locker room culture, transition, and mental health

35:00 – Returning to ODU with the ODAF

37:00 – Discovering other ODU sports and athletes

40:00 – From the clamshells to the new stadium

42:00 – Being inducted into the ODU Hall of Fame

44:00 – Why an offensive lineman should be next in the Hall

45:00 – Life today: family, fatherhood, and new career

48:00 – DeMarco Financial Group and helping others plan their future

50:00 – Closing thoughts: the pride of being a Monarch