Marcus Ardel Taulauniu Mariota, born on October 30, 1993, in Honolulu, Hawaii, has become one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in professional football. Known for his dual-threat capabilities—combining precise passing with explosive rushing—Mariota rose to national fame as the first Oregon Ducks player and the first Hawaii-born athlete to win the Heisman Trophy in 2014. Selected second overall by the Tennessee Titans in the 2015 NFL Draft, he has enjoyed a career full of remarkable achievements, transitions, and influence on and off the field.
Quick Facts of Marcus Mariota
| Key Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Marcus Ardel Taulauniu Mariota |
| Date of Birth | October 30, 1993 |
| Place of Birth | Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Height / Weight | 6 ft 4 in / 222 lbs |
| High School | Saint Louis School, Honolulu |
| College | University of Oregon |
| NFL Draft | 2015 / Round 1 / Pick 2 |
| Current Team | Washington Commanders |
| Position / Jersey | Quarterback / 18 |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Kiyomi Cook (m. 2021) |
| Children | 1 |
| Estimated Net Worth | $12 million |
| Major Achievements | Heisman Trophy (2014), Maxwell Award (2014), Unanimous All-American (2014) |
Early Life and Family Background
Marcus Mariota was born to Alana Deppe-Mariota and Toa Mariota and grew up alongside his younger brother, Matt. His family instilled in him strong values, a sense of humility, and a deep appreciation for his Samoan heritage. Marcus attended Saint Louis School in Honolulu, a private institution famed for its football program.
At Saint Louis, Mariota excelled academically and athletically. Despite his parents’ initial hesitation about tackle football, Marcus’s passion convinced them to support his pursuits. Leading his team to a state title, he earned honors such as PrepStar Magazine All-West Region and Interscholastic League of Honolulu Offensive Player of the Year, paving the way for his collegiate career.
College Career and Milestones
Mariota redshirted his freshman year at the University of Oregon in 2011. In 2012, he became the starting quarterback, guiding the Ducks to a 12-1 record and a Fiesta Bowl victory over Kansas State. His dual-threat skill set earned him the Pac-12 Offensive Freshman of the Year award.
The 2014 season marked a career high. Mariota led Oregon to the first College Football Playoff National Championship Game and claimed multiple awards:
- Heisman Trophy
- Maxwell Award
- Walter Camp Award
- AP College Football Player of the Year
- Unanimous All-American
- Polynesian Football Player of the Year
These accolades reflected his skill, leadership, and influence on college football.
NFL Career
Selected second overall in the 2015 NFL Draft, Mariota joined the Tennessee Titans. He made history as the first quarterback to achieve a perfect passer rating in his NFL debut. Between 2016 and 2018, he led the Titans to three consecutive winning seasons, demonstrating resilience and leadership.
In 2019, after six games, Ryan Tannehill replaced him as the starter. Mariota then served as a backup for the Las Vegas Raiders (2020-2021) and Philadelphia Eagles (2023). In 2022, he signed with the Atlanta Falcons, starting most games before his release in 2023. In March 2024, Mariota signed a one-year deal with the Washington Commanders, continuing his professional journey.
Notable Achievements
- Heisman Trophy (2014): First Hawaii-born winner
- Maxwell Award (2014): College player of the year
- Walter Camp Award (2014): Player of the year
- AP College Football Player of the Year (2014)
- Polynesian Football Player of the Year (2014)
These milestones highlight Mariota’s impact both in college and the NFL.
Personal Life and Family
Marcus married Kiyomi Cook, a former soccer player and coach, in 2021. The couple welcomed their first child in 2022. Known for keeping a low-profile personal life, Mariota balances his career with family responsibilities and emphasizes humility and authenticity.
Net Worth and Lifestyle
As of 2024, Marcus Mariota’s net worth is estimated at $12 million, accumulated from NFL contracts, endorsements, and investments. Notable deals include:
- NFL Contracts: Millions from salary, signing bonuses, and incentives
- Endorsements: Partnerships with brands like Nike and Subway
- Investments: Real estate and philanthropic ventures
He owns a luxurious home in Honolulu, a Tesla Model X, and a classic Ford Mustang. Through his Motiv8 Foundation, Mariota supports youth programs and community initiatives in Hawaii.
Interesting Facts
- Excelled in track and field in high school, winning sprint events.
- First Polynesian athlete to win the Heisman Trophy.
- Nicknamed “Saint Marcus” in college for leadership and sportsmanship.
- Remains grounded despite fame, crediting his parents for instilling humility.
Legacy and Future Plans
Marcus Mariota continues to influence Polynesian representation in the NFL while mentoring young athletes. Fans anticipate his contributions to the Washington Commanders and future coaching or mentorship roles. His dedication to football, family, and philanthropy ensures a lasting impact on the sport and community.
