It’s a stark contrast from the start of his NFL career, when the Oregon product notably chose No. 8 with the as an homage to the No. 8 he wore in college, which in turn stemmed from a childhood soccer jersey he inherited — one
that Mariota grew to adore due to its connection to the quarterback’s native Hawaii, which consists of eight major islands. Mariota initially considered reclaiming No. 8 upon signing with the Commanders this offseason, the team
website notes, but quickly deferred to running back ho wears the digit.
Prior to joining the Commanders, Mariota also wore No. 8 with the rival spending 2023 as backup. He wore No. 1
during a one-year stint with the in 2022, when he went 5-8 as a much-maligned starter replacing longtime face of the franchise
