Marcus Mariota Steps Up as Commanders Face Chiefs on Monday
Marcus Mariota will take the field as the starting quarterback for the Washington Commanders on Monday night against the Kansas City Chiefs. This change comes after Jayden Daniels suffered a hamstring injury during the team’s Week 7 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. Daniels has faced a challenging sophomore season, dealing with multiple injuries, including a sprained left knee that sidelined him for two games earlier this season.
The decision to rest Daniels, who has struggled to maintain his health, allows Mariota to start for the third time this season. Although the injury to Daniels is classified as low-grade, Commanders’ head coach Dan Quinn has opted for a cautious approach.
Mariota, who previously won the 2014 Heisman Trophy while at the University of Oregon, will be supported by his college sweetheart, Kiyomi Cook, during the game. The couple, who first met in 2014 at Oregon, married in 2021 and welcomed their daughter, Makaia, in December 2022. Cook has her own athletic background, having played as a midfielder for the Oregon women’s soccer team.
During Mariota’s time in Nashville, Cook also worked as a soccer coach, contributing to local teams such as the University School of Nashville and Father Ryan High School. Although they maintain a low profile, glimpses of their life together have occasionally appeared on Mariota’s foundation’s social media account.
As Mariota prepares for the high-stakes game at Arrowhead Stadium, he expressed his enthusiasm for playing in front of a passionate crowd. In a statement shared via Commanders Wire, he noted, “I love playing there. It’s such a fun atmosphere. The fans are great. It’s loud and I truly enjoy it.”
He emphasized the importance of communication in the challenging environment of Arrowhead, saying, “At the end of the day, it is a tough place to play, but as long as you get everybody going on the same page and you’re communicating, it allows you to execute and do what you need to do.”
Mariota’s experience in high-pressure situations and his ability to thrive in challenging conditions make him a critical asset to the Commanders as they aim to turn their season around against a formidable Chiefs team. With his family’s support and a strong foundation in both personal and professional realms, Mariota is poised to make a significant impact on the field.
