The 32-year-old quarterback Marcus Mariota proposed to Kiyomi Mariota in 2020, and a year later, they walked down the aisle in Hawaii.
Marcus Ardel Taulauniu Mariota has established himself as a resilient figure in the National Football League (NFL), with a career spanning multiple teams and memorable achievements.
The Hawaii-born quarterback, who currently plays for the Washington Commanders, has demonstrated his versatility and adaptability throughout his professional journey.
Marcus’s football career began to flourish during his college years at the University of Oregon, where he made history by becoming the first player from the school and the first Hawaii-born athlete to win the prestigious Heisman Trophy in 2014.
His exceptional college performance led to him being selected as the second overall pick by the Tennessee Titans in the 2015 NFL Draft.
Marcus immediately showed promise during his rookie season by achieving a perfect passer rating in his NFL debut. He became the first quarterback in league history to accomplish this feat in their first career start.
Throughout his career, Marcus has played for several NFL teams, including the Las Vegas Raiders, Atlanta Falcons, and Philadelphia Eagles, before joining the Washington Commanders.
He has maintained his presence in the league despite facing challenges and setbacks, including injuries and role changes.
From College Sweethearts to Parents, Marcus and Kiyomi Mariota Share a Life of Love and Commitment
Marcus Mariota met his wife, Kiyomi Mariota (née Cook), in 2014 at the University of Oregon, where their paths crossed as student-athletes.
While the quarterback was making headlines on the football field, Kiyomi was establishing herself as a talented midfielder on the university’s women’s soccer team.
Their relationship blossomed from their college days, and they made their first public appearance as a couple at an NFL Draft party in Honolulu in 2015.
After years of supporting each other through various career moves and challenges, the couple engaged in June 2020.
Marcus and Kiyomi tied the knot in a beautiful ceremony in Hawaii in 2021, attended by around 100 guests, including former teammates.
Kiyomi, who holds a master’s degree in exercise and nutrition science from Lipscomb University, has built her own career path while supporting her husband’s football journey.
She worked as a soccer coach in Nashville from 2015 to 2020, sharing her expertise at the University School of Nashville and Father Ryan High School.
She serves as the social media director for Motiv8, Marcus’s foundation dedicated to empowering youth through academics and sports.
The couple welcomed their daughter, Makaia Kei Mariota, in December 2022, adding a new chapter to their family story.
Despite their public profiles, they maintain a relatively private life, occasionally sharing glimpses of their family moments through social media, including their life with their two dogs.
Through their foundation and community involvement, Marcus and Kiyomi demonstrate their commitment to giving back by participating in initiatives such as Habitat for Humanity and various youth empowerment programs.
Their partnership extends beyond their personal life, as Kiyomi has been nothing but a blessing in Marcus’s professional success.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Marcus particularly excelled at the 2010 National Underclassman Combine, where he earned both the “Fastest Man” and “Combine King” titles after running a 4.48-second 40-yard dash.
- In 2016, the University of Oregon honored Mariota’s legacy by unveiling a 30,000-square-foot Marcus Mariota Sports Performance Center.
- During his time with the Tennessee Titans in 2015, Mariota achieved a unique NFL milestone when he became the first quarterback in franchise history to catch a touchdown reception.
