Commanders' Marcus Mariota returns to roots with jersey change

“It’s a very meaningful number to me,” he said via 7 News DC Scott Abraham. “You always want to be respectful, especially with B-Rob and his contributions to this franchise. It was really cool, they actually left it hanging in my locker. They were really cool about it, and I’m looking forward to wearing it.”

Mariota’s football story has always been tied to No. 8. At Oregon, he put up video-game numbers — 10,796 passing yards, 105 touchdowns, and a Heisman Trophy in 2014 after piling on 57 total scores that year alone. No. 8 wasn’t just a jersey then, it was a symbol of one of the most electric quarterbacks college football had ever seen.

That magic carried over to Tennessee after the Titans picked him second overall in 2015. Mariota wore the same number and delivered some memorable moments, completing nearly 64 percent of his passes for 13,207 yards and leading the team to a playoff win in Kansas City in 2018. For five years, No. 8 was his calling card, and now it’s making its way to Northwest Stadium.

Ready to Roll With Washington

Mariota has been easing back from Achilles tendinitis, which has slowed him through training camp.

“Rehab sucks,” he admitted, knowing every rep matters when you’re trying to settle into a new offense.

Even so, the plan is for him to be ready when the Commanders host the New York Giants in the season opener on September 7.

For Washington, Mariota represents steady veteran insurance behind their offensive plans. For Mariota, slipping back into No. 8 signals a fresh start. It’s a chance to bring back the confidence and success that came with it. Fans at Northwest Stadium might not just be seeing a quarterback in a familiar number, but a player who’s ready to remind everyone why that number meant so much in the first place.