HONOLULU (KHON2) – Now diving into week 3 of the NFL regular season, Hawaii’s Marcus Mariota was named the starting quarterback for the Washington Commanders, making his first regular-season start since January of last year.
Mariota wasted no time setting the tone early in Sunday’s matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders, powering through the end zone with a 2-yard rushing touchdown.
The Saint Louis alum kept the offense rolling with big plays in big moments, highlighting a 43-yard touchdown pass that extended the Commanders’ lead to 41-21.
Cool, calm, and collected, Mariota ended the night with 207 passing yards, one passing touchdown, 40 rushing yards, and a rushing touchdown.
“I just have fun, man…I was just grateful to play the game,” Mariota said. “I love it. I love this team. I love being out there, and it’s been such an interesting journey for me, and I would never trade it for anything in the world. Like, I think I’m here for a reason.”
He topped week 3 by completing 71 percent of his throws, making a huge comeback since January of last year.
Mariota’s 2025 debut showcased real potential, and he remains determined to grow while helping his team reach new heights.
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Below are how other players with Hawaii ties performed during Week 2 of the 2025 NFL season:
Tua Tagovailoa, quarterback, Miami Dolphins (Saint Louis)
Went 22-of-34 passing for 146 yards, including 2 Touchdowns, 21-31 def. by the Bills.
Jonah Savaiinaea, offensive lineman, Miami Dolphins (Saint Louis)
Did not record any statistics in the Dolphins’ 31-21 loss to the Bills.
Andrei Iosivas, receiver, Cincinnati Bengals (Punahou)
Did not record any statistics in the Bengals’ 10-48 loss to the Vikings.
Dillon Gabriel, quarterback, Cleveland Browns (Mililani)
Did not record any statistics in the Browns’ 10-13 win over the Packers.
Nick Herbig, linebacker, Pittsburgh Steelers (Saint Louis)
Recorded a forced fumble, including a sack in the Steelers’ 21-14 win over the Patriots.
Roman Wilson, receiver, Pittsburgh Steelers (Saint Louis)
Did not record any statistics in the Steelers’ 21-14 win over the Patriots.
Isaac Seumalo, offensive lineman, Pittsburgh Steelers (born in Hawaii)
Did not record any statistics in the Steelers’ 21-14 win over the Patriots.
Ka’imi Fairbairn, kicker, Houston Texans (Punahou)
Went 1-for-2 on field goals for 27 yards in the Texans’ 10-17 loss to the Jaguars.
DeForest Buckner, defensive tackle, Indianapolis Colts (Punahou)
Recorded three solo tackles, applying QB pressure in the Colts’ 41-20 win over the Titans.
Rigoberto Sanchez, punter, Indianapolis Colts (University of Hawaii)
Recorded a punt for 46 yards in the Colts’ 41-20 win over the Titans.
Jonah Laulu, defensive lineman, Las Vegas Raiders (University of Hawaii)
Did not record any statistics in the Raiders’ 24-41 loss to the Commanders.
Alohi Gilman, safety, Los Angeles Chargers (Kahuku)
Recorded two solo tackles in the Chargers’ 23-20 win over the Broncos.
Marist Liufau, linebacker, Dallas Cowboys (Punahou)
Did not record any statistics in the Cowboys’ 14-31 loss to the Bears.
Darius Muasau, linebacker, New York Giants (Mililani and University of Hawaii)
Did not record any statistics in the Giants’ 22-9 loss to the Chiefs.
- Following the Giants’ match-up with the Cowboys, Muasau remains INACTIVE during week 3 against the Chiefs, Dan Salomone of the Giants’ official site reports.
Marcus Mariota, quarterback, Washington Commanders (Saint Louis)
Went 15-of-21 for 207 yards with a rushing and passing touchdown in the Commanders’ 41-24 win over the Raiders.
Tetairoa McMillan, wide receiver, Carolina Panthers (Waimanalo, HI)
Recorded three receptions for a total of 48 receiving yards in the Panthers’ 30-0 win over the Falcons.
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Practice squad
Luke Felix-Fualalo, offensive lineman, Philadelphia Eagles (University of Hawaii)
Kohl Levao, offensive lineman, New York Jets (University of Hawaii)
Treven Ma’ae, defensive lineman, Las Vegas Raiders (Kapolei)
Netane Muti, guard, Detroit Lions (Leilehua)
Keith Kirkwood, receiver, Baltimore Ravens (University of Hawaii)
Injured reserve
Jahlani Tavai, linebacker, New England Patriots (University of Hawaii)