Commanders' Marcus Mariota explains history-making decision

According to Commanders senior writer Zach Selby, the former Heisman Trophy winner wasn't aware he'd break the digit barrier when he decided over the offseason. Selby wrote on Friday that Mariota's brother and mother informed him that he was making history with his choice, showing him a news clip from Hawaii News Now.

Though the 30-year-old native of Honolulu is entering his 10th season, this is only the second chance that Mariota has had to sport No. 0.

The NFL changed its jersey policy last year to include No. 0 as an option for all skill players for the first time since 1973.

"Zero is something for me that's just a reminder," Mariota said, per Selby's report. "I'm in year 10. People don't think I can do it anymore. It's just kind of a reminder every day of 'nobody really gives you a chance.' And it's cool to be able to remind yourself."

The 2015 second-overall pick agreed to a one-year deal with Washington in March and is set to back up rookie Jayden Daniels, a fellow Heisman Trophy winner and No. 2 selection.

Mariota was drafted by the Tennessee Titans and spent the first five seasons of his career with the team. He made 61 of his 74 career starts with the Titans and helped them reach the AFC Divisional playoffs during the 2017 campaign.

Mariota was Derek Carr's seldom-used backup with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2020 and 2021 before he signed with the Atlanta Falcons in March 2022. Mariota started the first 13 contests of the season for the Falcons before then-rookie Desmond Ridder took over for the final four.

He signed with the Philadelphia Eagles last March but made just three appearances off the bench behind Jalen Hurts.