Hofstra University is creating programs in the Hofstra Department of Athletics and the School of Health Professions and Human Services, including the Marques Colston Fellowship, in collaboration with the former football student-athlete and New Orleans Saints legend.

Colston, who is set to be inducted into the Saints Hall of Fame later this month, was drafted by New Orleans in 2006 following a successful four-year career at Hofstra.

"My experience at Hofstra provided a solid foundation to start my professional journey after graduation - in both sports and business," Colston said in a press release issued by the university. "I'm excited to partner with the university to create programming and resources that help the next generation of students and student-athletes build successful career paths."

The programs will support student-athletes and students who are pursuing health careers. The Colston Fellowship will support experiential learning opportunities for health majors each year. The second initiative will support Hofstra athletics by providing student-athletes with transformative learning and life experiences.

Holly Seirup, dean of the School of Health Professions and Human Services, sai, "we are thrilled that Marques has joined our advisory council and look forward to his active engagement with our students and specifically the Colston fellows."

A four-year letterman and a three-year starter at Hofstra from 2001 through 2005, Colston was an All-Atlantic 10 Football Conference first-team selection and held the Hofstra record for career receiving yards.

Colston played in 146 career games for the Saints with 106 starts and recorded 711 receptions for 9,759 yards and 72 touchdowns. Colston is ranked first in club record books in catches, receiving yardage, receiving touchdowns, total touchdowns (72) and tied for first with 28 100-yard receiving performances.

Off the field, Colston has also excelled as an entrepreneur and investor at the intersection of sports, wellness, and technology.