Marcus Mariota Embraces Fatherhood Amid NFL Career

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota and his wife, Kiyomi, welcomed their daughter, Makaia Kei Mariota, on Dec. 7, 2022, marking a transformative chapter in the NFL star’s life. The couple announced the birth on Instagram, sharing a heartfelt family photo with the caption, “December 7th, 2022. Marcus and Kiyomi welcomed their daughter Makaia Kei Mariota into the world ❤️ officially a #girldad.”

Mariota, who has played in the NFL since 2015, has openly embraced his role as a father. “Regardless of what I do, the best moment of my day is coming home and she says ‘dada,’ so that in itself makes everything worthwhile,” Mariota told reporters in June 2024. “I’m excited to just help her go through her life and give her that perspective that I’ve been able to gain from her.”

The couple’s journey into parenthood was documented in the Netflix series *Quarterback*, which highlighted the challenges of balancing family life with a demanding NFL career. Kiyomi Mariota revealed her initial concerns about raising their first child during football season. “Honestly, expecting our first child during football season, I was a little nervous, just because we were going to be so far from family,” she shared in 2023.

Makaia has become a regular presence at her father’s games, often seen sporting Washington Commanders gear. In November 2024, the family shared a photo from a Commanders game, with Makaia dressed in bright yellow to match her dad’s team colors. The image, posted by Mariota’s foundation, Motiv8, was captioned, “Blessed beyond words.”

The Mariota family has also integrated Makaia into their philanthropic efforts. Marcus Mariota, who founded the Motiv8 Foundation to provide sports and healthy lifestyle programming for children, emphasized the importance of giving back. “It’s something my family has taught me since I was a kid,” he said during a Habitat for Humanity event. “I’m continuing the tradition of my family, and it’s just important to give back.”

Makaia has already attended several Motiv8 Foundation events, including the organization’s fourth annual wine event in 2024. The family shared photos from the event, celebrating its success and their commitment to community service.

As Mariota prepares for the 2025 NFL playoffs, Makaia continues to be a source of inspiration and joy for the quarterback. From attending training camp to cheering on her dad at games, the toddler has become a beloved figure among Commanders fans. With her parents’ support and guidance, Makaia is growing up in a family that values both athletic excellence and community service.