Sunday’s practice was open to Commanders fans, and quarterback Marcus Mariota told the media afterward that he really enjoyed it.
“It was great. I love having the fans here at practice. It creates an energy, and atmosphere and its fun for me specifically to see Hawaii flags! That was really cool.”
Mariota, who will turn 31 in October, was born in 1993 in Honolulu, Hawaii. He played three college seasons for Oregon (2012-2014), won the Heisman Trophy (2014), and was the second overall selection in the 2015 NFL draft.
Jayden Daniels also was the Heisman Trophy winner (2023) as well as the second overall selection in the 2024 draft. “He’s done a great job,” said Mariota. “It’s not easy, and when you’re coming in to be the guy to kind of revitalize a franchise, it’s tough. But I think he’s got a good head on his shoulders.”
Mariota, having worn the same shoes as Daniels certainly knows something about the pressure to succeed in your rookie season. “I think we talk about it all the time in the quarterback room. When you are a young guy you really want to try to come in and be perfect. And that’s hard. I really think that can be detrimental in some sense to your growth.”
Of course, Mariota would have preferred his career to go a different, more successful path where he was still a productive starter. But he did add at the close of his time with the press, “I really love the Ashburn area, I love the DMV. I think it’s really been an easy transition for my family and I. We love the diversity, we love being able to go out and eat, and do all those types of things, and we’ve really enjoyed it. So, as this year goes on, we look forward to meeting fans and being a part of this, and we’re thankful we are here.”
Unmet expectations are difficult in life. Atlanta (2022) was challenging, even painful, for Mariota. However, it seems he learned from it and is now better prepared for his role with the Commanders.
