Marcus Mariota is a famous American professional football quarterback known for his impressive career in the NFL.
Born on October 30, 1993, Mariota made a significant impact on the sport during his college years at the University of Oregon. His outstanding performance earned him the prestigious Heisman trophy in 2014.
This award made him the first athlete of Hawaiian descent and the first athlete from Oregon to receive such an honor.
His early achievements at Oregon led to the Tennessee Titans selecting him as the second overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft.
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- Full name: Marcus Ardel Taulauniu Mariota
- Date of birth: October 30, 1993
- Age: 31 years old
- Gender: Male
- Place of birth: Honolulu, Hawaii, USA
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Football player (Midfielder)
- Height: 6 feet 4 inches (1.93 meters)
- Parents: Alana Deppe-Mariota (mother), Toa Mariota (father)
- Siblings: Matt Mariota
- Spouse: Kiyomi Cook
- Children: Makaia Kei Mariota
- Relationship status: Married
- Religion: Christianity
- Ethnicity: Samoan and German
- Net worth: 12 million USD
Early life and education
Marcus Mariota, 31 years old, was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii. His parents, Toa and Alana Mariota, inspired strong family and cultural values for him and his younger brother, Matt. Mariota’s Samoan heritage played an important role in shaping his upbringing.
His father Toa, who has a rugby background, was instrumental in nurturing Marcus’s sporting spirit. He was exposed to many different sports at a young age, although his initial focus was on soccer, rugby and volleyball.
American football became a more formal part of Mariota’s life when he attended St. Louis in Honolulu, a private facility known for its strong soccer program.
At St. Louis, Mariota flourished as a dual-threat quarterback, leading his team to an 11-1 record and a state championship his senior year.
His outstanding performance earned him Interscholastic League Honolulu Offensive Player of the Year honors. Despite the financial challenges, his family made sacrifices, including selling their house, to ensure he received the best training possible.
After graduating from high school, Marcus accepted a scholarship to the University of Oregon, where he majored in General Sciences with an emphasis on human physiology. He then became the starting quarterback of the Oregon Ducks.
His college career was illustrious, highlighted by many records and a Heisman Trophy victory in 2014, the first for an athlete of Polynesian descent.
Personal life
Marcus Mariota married Kiyomi Cook, a former football player he met at the University of Oregon in 2014. The couple got engaged in 2020 and married in a private ceremony on Oahu in 2021.
They welcomed their daughter, Makaia Kei Mariota, in December 2022. Marcus and Kiyomi have been active in their community, participating in many charitable initiatives and community outreach programs.
Career
Mariota’s professional football career began when the Tennessee Titans selected him as the second overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. He quickly demonstrated his potential by setting an NFL record as a top rookie first to achieve a perfect passer rating in his first game.
Throughout his time with the Titans, Mariota showcased his dual-threat ability, leading the team to its first playoff win in more than a decade in 2017.
His tenure with the Titans was marked by high points, such as being named AFC Offensive Player of the Month in November 2016, and injuries that affected his consistency.
In 2020, Mariota signed with the Las Vegas Raiders as a backup quarterback, where he showed flashes, especially in a highlight-reel game against the Los Angeles Chargers.
The following year, he signed a two-year contract with the Atlanta Falcons but faced many challenges, including being benched at the end of the 2022 season.
In 2023, Mariota assumed a reserve role with the Philadelphia Eagles, adding his veteran experience to a young and dynamic team. He continues to contribute strategically on and off the field.
prize
- 2014: Heisman Trophy
- 2014: Davey O’Brien Award (Nation’s Best Midfielder)
- 2014: Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award
- 2016: Pro Bowl selection
- 2014: Camp Walter Award
Net worth
Marcus Mariota’s net worth is estimated at $12 million. His income comes from NFL contracts, which include a significant signing bonus and annual salary, as well as endorsement deals with brands such as Nike and Beats by Dre.
Argumentative
Marcus Mariota’s career has been relatively free of significant scandals or controversies. However, some issues have attracted attention. For example, his inconsistent form and injury history have led to debates among fans and sports analysts.
His transition from a promising rookie to a player facing career uncertainty and as a backup often sparked discussion about his future in the NFL.
The Tennessee Titans’ decision not to extend his contract and subsequent backup roles created speculation about whether Mariota had reached his peak potential. Critics have criticized Mariota for his lack of aggression in crucial moments, especially in important matches.
Some analysts suggested that he struggled to fully establish himself as a leader on the field, contributing to his substitute role. The most notable challenge came in the 2022 season with the Atlanta Falcons when he had to sit on the bench in place of rookie Desmond Ridder.
This demotion and his placement on injured reserve due to knee problems fueled rumors of tension between Mariota and the Falcons’ coaching staff. However, Marcus always maintains a professional attitude and focuses on rehabilitation and training to always be ready for opportunities.
Social Media
- Instagram: Not applicable
- Twitter: Not applicable
