Today we’d like to introduce you to Marlin (Mo) Lynch III.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Marlin (Mo) Lynch III is a native of Detroit, MI born to D’Vella Woods and Marlin Lynch Jr. in 1984. Marlin is a motivational speaker that address issues with gangs (gun violence), fatherless homes, mentoring, networking, and student athletes recruiting. Marlin also speaks about how he turned the street life into a success life (Honor row is better than Death Row), from Gang to God, and from eviction to elevation. One of Marlin profound statements is “I used to rep my hood. But I know I rep FATHERHOOD. Lastly, Marlin believes in his heart being from the “hood” is not a bad thing. Especially, when you are HELPING OTHERS OUT DAILY (H.O.O.D).
Marlin has committed his life to changing and impacting the lives of young people by sharing and turning his scars into stories. Losing two friends at a young age and finding himself in front of a judge in middle school getting ready to be kicked out of all public schools change the trajectory of his life.
In 2002, Marlin received a full football scholarship to Indiana University where he was a student athlete for two years. An unfortunate injury leads him to transfer to Alabama State University.
While playing football at ASU, Marlin was blessed to be a part of the 2004 SWAC championship team. In 2006, he received Academic All-American honors and graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications (radio/television). After graduating, Marlin went on to coach college football (Tiffin & Urbana Universities in Ohio) and served as an Equipment Assistant Intern with the Atlanta Falcons.
Marlin is also a National Recruiter for Student-Athletes. And has his own business called 5th Quarter Sports Agency. In addition to his full-time work, Marlin is an actor as well. In 2019, Marlin booked his first Co-Star role. This allowed him to become SAG-AFTRA. He also has appeared in The Walking Dead, Tyler Perry’s Haves and Have Nots, Flight (as a stand in for Michael Beasley) and many other films (Steel Magnolias and commercials (Tim Hortons). Recently, Marlin was featured in Fight Night: A Million Dollar Heist starring Kevin Hart, Taraji P. Hensen, Terrence Howard, and Samuel L. Jackson.
Marlin enjoys being a college football (Big Ten), high school basketball and volleyball official. He is passionate about officiating and takes great pride in learning and perfecting his craft. In 2018, Marlin became the first African American to receive Official of The Year in the state of Utah from the Utah High School Activities Association (UHSAA). In 2021, Marlin received the Afro Utah Humanitarian Award. And in 2022, he was appointed to the MLK Commission by the Governor of Utah.
Most importantly, he loves working with the youth (student athletes) and giving back to the community. Marlin is also a lifetime member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc and a Mason.
Marlin was named to the inaugural 40 under 40 for Upson County (Thomaston Ga). And he graduated from the 1st citizens police academy in (Thomaston Ga). Furthermore, last October (2023), Marlin was the recipient of the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award. Along with the Presidential Volunteer Service Award (The highest civilian award in the USA). And lastly, recently Marlin received a Pearly Award from Majority Greek Magazine “Divine 9” for “Blazing the Trail” in Atlanta (2025). And was named Volunteeer of year by ESPN Cricket Celebration Bowl (2025). Currently, Marlin serves as a board member of Future Foundation. A foundation that focuses on serving underserved youth in the South Fulton communities. Disrupting the cycle of poverty, one student at a time.
Marlin is an Apostle/Pastor of a local faith-based organization called “Kingdom Huddle.” While he has accomplished a lot in 41 years, Marlin’s most important accomplishments are being a husband, father, and Christian. Marlin is married to Kaletta Lynch and they have two beautiful daughters named KaNiyah and Kennedy Lynch.
It doesn’t matter what you leave to a person. It matters what you leave inside a person! Pastor Mo
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Yes! Some of my struggles were my Father not being in my home (I can elaborate later). And the lack of resources and knowledge. Not to mention, the environment I was raised in Detroit, Michigan.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am most proud to be a Servant of Jesus Christ, a Husband, and a Father of my two beautiful girls. Professionally, I am a CEO of a sports agency called 5th Quarter Sports Agency, Actor, and Professional Speaker. I am most proud to be an Apostle/Pastor of Kingdom Huddle (Non-Dominion Church Just like Heaven).
What sets me a part is my heart. When I am bless to be on God wake up list every morning my focus is two things one is to recruit for Jesus and two MAKE HEAVEN CROWDED.
If I had to select and earthly award I am proud of it would be the the highest civilian award in our country which is The Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award and Volunteer Service Award for youth programming, youth mentoring, and you activism.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My Grandmother Melba Battle who is decease who I had the only and privilege to eulogize deserves major credit in my life.
I have been blessed two have some coaches who have been very influential in my life. However, the two that stand out is Coach Greg Carter and Coach Maurice Harris.
Mentors-Larry Houser Jr and Gavin McGuire and David Johnson
Best Friends
Chris Taylor and Eric Mckenzie and Frank Blackmon
I would be dismiss if I did not mention my Queen my Rib my boo thang MY EVERYTHING… Kaletta Lynch. She is my biggest supporter and critic. And she bet on me with her life when I was a nobody.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://punchlinepastor.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/punchlinepastor/
- Facebook: Punchline Pastor
- LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/marlinlynch3
- Twitter: @PunchlinePastor
- Other: https://linktr.ee/ThePunchlinePastor
