Marcus Mariota is an American football quarterback currently playing for the Washington Commanders. He rose to prominence during his college career at the University of Oregon, where he became the first Oregon player and Hawaii-born athlete to win the Heisman Trophy in 2014, marking a historic achievement.
1983: Walter Payton's Achievement
In 1983, Walter Payton became the first NFL player to accomplish a rare feat of passing for a touchdown, rushing for a touchdown, and catching a touchdown pass of at least 40 yards.
October 30, 1993: Birth of Marcus Mariota
Marcus Mariota was born on October 30, 1993.
2002: Last Titans Victory Over Patriots Before 2018
Prior to the Titans' win on November 11, 2018, their last victory against the New England Patriots was in 2002.
2003: Titans' Playoff Win
The Titans secured their first playoff win since the 2003 season, marking a significant achievement for the team.
2008: Comeback Victory Against Oregon State
In 2013, Marcus Mariota and the Oregon Ducks suffered their first loss to an unranked opponent since 2008. However, they rebounded with a dramatic 36-35 victory over their rivals, the Oregon State Beavers. Mariota played a crucial role in the comeback win, throwing a game-winning touchdown pass to Josh Huff with just 29 seconds remaining on the clock.
2008: First Missed BCS Bowl Berth Since 2008
The Oregon Ducks, despite a strong 11-2 season record and a top-ten ranking, experienced a setback in 2013 when they failed to secure a BCS bowl berth for the first time since the 2008 season.
2008: Titans' Playoff Drought Ends
The Tennessee Titans ended their playoff drought, which had lasted since 2008, marking a significant milestone for the team.
2010: Discovery and Scholarship Offer from Oregon
During a football camp in 2010, Marcus Mariota's talent was recognized by Mark Helfrich, Oregon's offensive coordinator. Impressed by Mariota's potential, Helfrich, along with Chip Kelly, made the decision to offer him a scholarship, even though Mariota had not yet started a varsity game.
2010: National Underclassman Combine Success
Marcus Mariota won the "Fastest Man" and "Combine King" awards at the 2010 National Underclassman Combine, showcasing his athletic prowess by running a 4.48-second 40-yard dash.
2011: Achievements in Track and Field at the HHSAA T&F Championships
Marcus Mariota excelled at the 2011 HHSAA T&F Championships, securing fourth-place finishes in both the 200-meter dash with a time of 23.41 seconds and the long jump with a distance of 20 feet 7 inches. He also contributed to his school's 4x100m relay team's victory, helping them achieve a state title with a time of 42.83 seconds.
2011: Redshirting Season at Oregon
Marcus Mariota redshirted his freshman year at the University of Oregon in 2011.
2012: Heisman Trophy Winner
Johnny Manziel, who Marcus Mariota played against in 2012, won the Heisman Trophy.
2012: High School Football Success and NUC All World Game Selection
Despite starting only in his senior year, Marcus Mariota excelled in football at Saint Louis School. He led his team to an 11-1 record and a state title. His performance earned him recognition, including PrepStar Magazine All-West Region and Interscholastic League of Honolulu Offensive Player of the Year awards. He also received an invitation to the NUC All World Game, where he played alongside Johnny Manziel, the future 2012 Heisman Trophy winner.
2012: Start of Impressive Interception-Free Streak
Beginning at the end of the 2012 season, Marcus Mariota set a Pac-12 record by attempting 353 passes without throwing an interception.
2012: First Freshman Season Opener Starter in 22 Seasons
In 2012, Marcus Mariota made history by becoming the first freshman in 22 seasons to start a season opener for the Oregon Ducks.
November 4, 2013: Featured on the Cover of Sports Illustrated
Marcus Mariota was featured on the cover of the November 4, 2013 issue of Sports Illustrated as a top contender for the Heisman Trophy.
December 30, 2013: Decision to Return to Oregon for the 2014 Season
Before the 2013 Alamo Bowl, Marcus Mariota announced his decision to forgo the NFL Draft and return to Oregon for the 2014 season. This decision surprised many, as he was already considered a top prospect.
2013: Graduation from the University of Oregon
In a testament to his commitment to both academics and athletics, Marcus Mariota accomplished a personal goal by graduating from the University of Oregon with a bachelor's degree in General Sciences, with a focus on human physiology, on December 12, 2014. This achievement came after he decided to return for his senior season following the 2013 season.
2013: Alamo Bowl Victory and Offensive MVP Honors
In the 2013 Alamo Bowl, Marcus Mariota led the Oregon Ducks to a decisive 30-7 victory over the Texas Longhorns. His outstanding performance, which included 133 rushing yards on 15 carries and a total of 386 total yards, earned him the Offensive MVP award for the game. With this win, Mariota guided the Ducks to their third consecutive bowl victory, further solidifying his legacy as a standout quarterback.
2013: Fiesta Bowl Victory and Accolades
Marcus Mariota played a key role in leading the Oregon Ducks to a 35-17 victory over Kansas State in the 2013 Fiesta Bowl, earning him the Offensive MVP award for the game.
2013: End of Impressive Interception-Free Streak and Continued Success
Marcus Mariota's impressive interception-free streak in the Pac-12, which began in 2012, came to an end in 2013. Despite this, he continued to excel, completing 245 of 386 passing attempts (63.5%) for 3,665 yards, with 31 touchdowns and only four interceptions. In addition to his passing skills, he also showcased his rushing abilities, gaining 715 yards (7.4 yards per carry) and scoring nine touchdowns on the ground.
December 11, 2014: Winning the Davey O'Brien, Walter Camp, and Maxwell Awards
At the annual College Football Awards show held in Orlando, Florida, on December 11, 2014, Marcus Mariota received three of the most prestigious awards in college football. He was honored with the Davey O'Brien Award, recognizing the nation's best quarterback, the Walter Camp Award, and the Maxwell Award, both of which are bestowed upon the nation's most outstanding college football player.
December 13, 2014: First Oregon Duck and Hawaii-Born Athlete to Win the Heisman Trophy
On December 13, 2014, Marcus Mariota etched his name into college football history by becoming the first-ever Oregon Duck and the first Hawaii-born athlete to be awarded the prestigious Heisman Trophy. His exceptional performance throughout his college career earned him an overwhelming majority of the votes, solidifying his place as one of the most outstanding players in the nation.
2014: Heisman Trophy Contender and Top NFL Draft Prospect
As the 2014 season approached, Marcus Mariota was widely regarded as a top contender for the prestigious Heisman Trophy. His exceptional skills and performance on the field also made him one of the most highly sought-after prospects for the upcoming NFL Draft.
2014: Heisman Trophy and Other Accolades
In 2014, Marcus Mariota achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first player from his school and the first Hawaii-born athlete to win the Heisman Trophy, along with numerous other awards.
May 2015: Best-Selling Jersey
In May 2015, Marcus Mariota achieved the impressive feat of having the best-selling NFL jersey in the league.
July 21, 2015: Signing with the Titans
On July 21, 2015, Marcus Mariota signed a four-year contract with the Tennessee Titans, marking the end of his time as a draft pick and the beginning of his professional career.
2015: NFL Draft
In 2015, Marcus Mariota was selected as the second overall pick by the Tennessee Titans in the NFL Draft.
2015: First Regular Season Game
Marcus Mariota played his first regular-season game against Jameis Winston and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2015.
2015: Drafted by the Tennessee Titans
Marcus Mariota was drafted as the second overall pick by the Tennessee Titans in the 2015 NFL Draft.
2015: Season-Ending Injury
In 2015, Marcus Mariota suffered an MCL sprain during a game against the Patriots, leading to him being sidelined for the remainder of the season.
2015: Rose Bowl Victory and National Championship Appearance
In 2015, Marcus Mariota led the Oregon Ducks to a resounding victory in the Rose Bowl, a College Football Playoff semifinal game, against Jameis Winston and the Florida State Seminoles. His stellar performance earned him the Offensive MVP award for the game. The Ducks then advanced to the National Championship game, where they faced the Ohio State Buckeyes. Although they lost to the Buckeyes, marking the end of Mariota's collegiate career, his performance throughout the season solidified his legacy as one of Oregon's greatest quarterbacks.
November 13, 2016: Victory Against the Packers
On November 13, 2016, Marcus Mariota led the Titans to a resounding victory against the Green Bay Packers, throwing for four touchdowns and 295 yards.
2016: Victory Against the Chiefs
In 2016, the Titans, led by Marcus Mariota, secured a win against the Kansas City Chiefs thanks to a game-winning field goal by former Chief Ryan Succop.
2016: Career-High Season
Marcus Mariota had a career-high season in 2016, amassing 3,426 passing yards, 26 touchdowns, and nine interceptions. He also showcased his rushing abilities with two touchdowns and a career-best 349 rushing yards.
2016: Start of Consecutive Winning Seasons with the Titans
Marcus Mariota led the Tennessee Titans to three consecutive winning seasons starting in 2016.
2016: Unveiling of the Marcus Mariota Sports Performance Center
As a tribute to his remarkable contributions to Oregon athletics, the university unveiled the state-of-the-art 30,000-square-foot Marcus Mariota Sports Performance Center in 2016. This facility serves as a testament to his lasting impact on the program.
September 10, 2017: Season Opener Touchdown
In the 2017 season opener against the Oakland Raiders, Marcus Mariota scored a rushing touchdown in the first quarter, marking the Titans' first points of the season.
2017: NFL Top 100 and Pro Bowl
In 2017, Marcus Mariota was recognized for his performance, earning the 50th spot on the NFL Top 100 Players list. He was also honored as a Pro Bowl first alternate.
April 18, 2018: Contract Option Picked Up
The Titans made a decision regarding Marcus Mariota's contract on April 18, 2018, exercising the fifth-year option.
October 14, 2018: Mariota Sacked 11 Times in Loss to Ravens
On October 14, 2018, Marcus Mariota was sacked 11 times by the Baltimore Ravens defense, leading to a 21-0 shutout loss for the Tennessee Titans.
November 5, 2018: Mariota Leads Titans to Victory Over Cowboys on Monday Night Football
On November 5, 2018, Marcus Mariota had a standout performance on Monday Night Football, throwing for 240 yards and two touchdowns while also rushing for 32 yards and a touchdown in the Titans' 28-14 win over the Dallas Cowboys. This victory improved his record as a starter on Monday Night Football to 2-0.
November 11, 2018: Mariota Leads Titans to Victory Over Patriots
On November 11, 2018, Marcus Mariota led the Tennessee Titans to a decisive 34-10 victory over the New England Patriots, marking the Titans' first win against the Patriots since 2002. Mariota threw for 228 yards and two touchdowns in the game.
2018: Mariota's Season Marked by Career-Low Passing Stats but Career-High Rushing Yards
In 2018, Marcus Mariota experienced both lows and highs in his performance. While setting a career-low in passing touchdowns (11) and passing yards (2,528), he achieved a career-high in rushing yards with 357.
2018: End of Consecutive Winning Seasons with the Titans
Marcus Mariota led the Tennessee Titans to their third consecutive winning season in 2018.
2019: Replaced as Starting Quarterback
In 2019, Ryan Tannehill replaced Marcus Mariota as the starting quarterback for the Tennessee Titans midway through the season.
March 25, 2020: Mariota Signs with Las Vegas Raiders
On March 25, 2020, Marcus Mariota signed a two-year, $17.6 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders, marking a new chapter in his NFL career.
September 7, 2020: Mariota Placed on Injured Reserve
On September 7, 2020, Marcus Mariota was placed on injured reserve by the Las Vegas Raiders, sidelining him for a portion of the season.
2020: Selection for Oregon's Notional Mount Rushmore
In 2020, the University of Oregon conducted a poll among its alumni and fans, inviting them to choose four individuals who they believed deserved a place on a hypothetical Mount Rushmore representing the university's most significant figures. Marcus Mariota's impact and legacy earned him a spot among the top four selections. Alongside him were Nike co-founder and university benefactor Phil Knight, Ducks track and field icon Steve Prefontaine, and recently graduated basketball phenomenon Sabrina Ionescu.
2020: Signing with the Las Vegas Raiders
Marcus Mariota signed with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2020 and served as a backup quarterback for two seasons.
September 18, 2021: Mariota Suffers Quad Injury
On September 18, 2021, Marcus Mariota, serving as the backup quarterback for the Las Vegas Raiders, sustained a quad injury during a designed play. This injury led to him being placed on injured reserve.
2021: Mariota Marries Kiyomi Cook
Marcus Mariota married Kiyomi Cook in 2021.
March 21, 2022: Mariota Joins Atlanta Falcons
On March 21, 2022, Marcus Mariota signed a two-year, $18.75 million contract with the Atlanta Falcons. This move came after the Falcons traded their longtime starting quarterback, Matt Ryan, to the Indianapolis Colts, creating an opportunity for Mariota to potentially take the helm.
July 28, 2022: Mariota Named Falcons' Starting Quarterback
On July 28, 2022, Marcus Mariota was officially named the starting quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons. This decision followed an offseason competition for the position between Mariota and rookie quarterback Desmond Ridder.
December 8, 2022: Mariota Benched in Favor of Ridder
On December 8, 2022, Marcus Mariota was benched by the Atlanta Falcons, with Desmond Ridder taking over as the starting quarterback for their Week 15 game against the New Orleans Saints.
December 14, 2022: Mariota Placed on Injured Reserve
On December 14, 2022, Marcus Mariota was placed on injured reserve by the Atlanta Falcons due to a knee injury, ending his season.
2022: Mariota Featured in "Quarterback" Docuseries
In 2022, Marcus Mariota was one of three quarterbacks chosen to be followed by Netflix and NFL Films for their documentary series "Quarterback." This series, released in 2023, offered viewers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into Mariota's experiences during the season.
2022: Starting Quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons
In 2022, Marcus Mariota joined the Atlanta Falcons and became their starting quarterback for the majority of the season.
February 28, 2023: Falcons Release Mariota
On February 28, 2023, the Atlanta Falcons made the decision to release Marcus Mariota.
March 20, 2023: Mariota Signs with Philadelphia Eagles
On March 20, 2023, Marcus Mariota signed a one-year, $5 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles, taking on a backup role behind starting quarterback Jalen Hurts.
July 2023: "Quarterback" Series Premieres on Netflix
"Quarterback," a documentary series produced by Netflix and NFL Films, premiered in July 2023. The series provided an inside look at the 2022 NFL season through the lens of three quarterbacks, including Marcus Mariota.
2023: Backup Quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles
Marcus Mariota spent the 2023 NFL season as a backup quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles.
March 14, 2024: Mariota Makes History with Commanders Signing
On March 14, 2024, Marcus Mariota signed a one-year deal with the Washington Commanders, choosing to wear the number 0. This decision made him the first quarterback in NFL history to wear that number.