Washington Commanders quarterback and Saint Louis School alumnus Marcus Mariota returned home to host his ninth annual Motiv8 Foundation charity golf tournament on Sunday at Pearl at Kalaua‘o.
The Heisman Trophy winner, entering his 11th NFL season, continues to strengthen his presence in the islands through charitable efforts focused on helping underserved youth and homeless populations across Hawaiʻi.
Mariota, who now has two children of his own, emphasized that the impact made through the Motiv8 Foundation goes far beyond football.
“It’s important for us as a family, for everyone to be involved. It’s my parents, my brother,” Mariota said. “Football has provided such an incredible platform. But it’s Motiv8, it’s this that lasts way beyond that. We’re thankful, and it’s become such a family affair. Just to be able to make a difference is what’s most important for us.”
Over the years, the foundation has awarded hundreds of thousands of dollars to support local initiatives. At the tournament, Mariota’s competitive spirit was still alive and well, even in a friendly setting.
“Everyone knows how competitive you are. How do you try to temper it down a little bit when you’re playing the same holes over and over again?” he was asked.
“No doubt. And it doesn’t change for me,” Mariota replied. “I think that’s what makes it fun. Every team wants to play well, wants to compete, and for me, just to be a part of that as a whole, it gets those juices flowing. So I have fun with it.”
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Mariota is embracing his role with the Commanders as both a veteran backup and mentor to reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels.
“It’s to a point right now in my career where I’m just enjoying it,” Mariota said. “I think early on, the expectations, the drive, kind of clouded what was going on around me. I didn’t take the time to appreciate the journey. To stand here 11 years in, very few people get an opportunity to do that. I’m thankful for every day, to go into work, have fun, cut it loose. I’m here for Jayden, to make sure he’s playing to the best of his ability.”
Training camp for the Commanders begins in late July, where Mariota will continue to play a key leadership role on and off the field.
For more information on the Motiv8 Foundation and how to support its efforts, click here.