The Unbreakable Bond: 5 Surprising Facts About Marcus Mariota’s Marriage To College Sweetheart Kiyomi Cook

Yes, Marcus Mariota is married. The veteran NFL quarterback, currently with the Washington Commanders for the 2025 season, is married to his longtime college sweetheart, Kiyomi Cook. Their relationship is a decade-long testament to enduring love, having started during their time as student-athletes at the University of Oregon. This partnership provides a stable foundation for the high-pressure career of a professional football player.

The couple officially tied the knot in a stunning, private ceremony in Mariota’s home state of Hawaii in July 2021. This union brought together two former Ducks athletes—Mariota, the Heisman-winning quarterback, and Cook, a talented soccer player. The stability of their family life has become a central focus for the famously private athlete, especially since they welcomed their first child in late 2022.

Marcus Mariota: A Detailed Biography and Career Profile

Marcus Ardel Taulauniu Mariota is one of the most decorated college football players in history and a respected veteran in the National Football League (NFL). His journey from a high school star in Hawaii to a top NFL draft pick is a story of dedication and athletic excellence.

• The Untouchable Privacy 7 Secrets Of Rachel Mcadams And Jamie Lindens Life Beyond The Red Carpet E820e

• Full Name: Marcus Ardel Taulauniu Mariota
• Date of Birth: October 30, 1993
• Age (as of December 2025): 32
• Place of Birth: Honolulu, Hawaii
• Parents: Toa Mariota and Alana Deppe-Mariota
• Brother: Matthew Mariota
• High School: Saint Louis School (Honolulu, Hawaii)
• College: University of Oregon (Oregon Ducks)
• Heisman Trophy: Winner in 2014 (The first Oregon player and first player born in Hawaii to win the award)
• NFL Draft: 2nd overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft (Tennessee Titans)
• Current NFL Team (2025): Washington Commanders
• Previous NFL Teams: Tennessee Titans (2015–2019), Las Vegas Raiders (2020–2021), Atlanta Falcons (2022), Philadelphia Eagles (2023)
• Position: Quarterback (QB)

The Enduring Love Story of Marcus and Kiyomi Cook

The relationship between Marcus Mariota and Kiyomi Cook is not a fleeting celebrity romance; it is a genuine bond forged during their formative years in college. Their history provides a unique perspective on the quarterback's personal life, which he keeps largely out of the public eye. Kiyomi Cook is more than just an NFL wife; she is an accomplished athlete and professional in her own right.

1. They Met as University of Oregon Student-Athletes

Marcus Mariota and Kiyomi Cook first crossed paths in 2014 while both were students at the University of Oregon in Eugene. Mariota was the Ducks' star quarterback, leading the team to a Pac-12 Championship and a College Football Playoff National Championship appearance, culminating in his historic Heisman Trophy win in 2014. Meanwhile, Kiyomi Cook was a dedicated midfielder on the Oregon Ducks women's soccer team. Their shared experience as high-level college athletes created an immediate connection and understanding, allowing them to navigate the pressures of collegiate sports together.

2. Kiyomi Cook Has a Strong Athletic Background

Kiyomi Cook’s athletic prowess is a key part of her identity. Born and raised in Gresham, Oregon, she was a standout soccer player. During her time at Oregon, she played as a midfielder, appearing in 15 games in her senior year. After graduating, she continued her involvement in the sport, playing for Atomic City FC in the Women's Premier Soccer League (WPSL) and later transitioning into coaching. She served as a soccer coach at Father Ryan High School in Nashville, Tennessee, from 2016 to 2020, demonstrating her commitment to the sport even as Mariota's NFL career took off with the Tennessee Titans.

• The Surprise Vegas Wedding And Shared Grief 5 Shocking Details Of John Schneider And Dee Dee Sorvinos Whirlwind Romance Ohirf

3. Their Hawaiian Wedding Was a Private Affair

After dating since 2015 and getting engaged in June 2020, the couple officially married in July 2021. The wedding ceremony was held on the island of Oahu, Hawaii, Mariota's home state. In keeping with their private nature, the event was an intimate gathering, celebrating their commitment away from the intense media spotlight that often follows NFL stars. The beautiful outdoor setting, overlooking the sea, was a perfect reflection of their shared island roots and love for the natural beauty of Hawaii.

4. They Are Parents to a Young Daughter

Marcus and Kiyomi expanded their family in late 2022. The couple welcomed their first child, a daughter named Makaia Kei Mariota, in December 2022. The pregnancy and birth were featured briefly on the Netflix documentary series "Quarterback," giving fans a rare, intimate look into their family life as Mariota managed his career with the Atlanta Falcons at the time. Makaia's birth has added a new dimension to Mariota's life, with the quarterback often speaking about the joy and perspective fatherhood has brought him, emphasizing family as his top priority.

5. Mariota's 2025 Contract with the Commanders Provides Stability

As of the 2025 NFL season, Marcus Mariota is the backup quarterback for the Washington Commanders. His most recent contract, signed for the 2025 season, is a one-year deal valued at $8 million, with $5.5 million guaranteed. This contract not only provides significant financial security but also a stable geographic base for his young family in the Washington, D.C. area. For an NFL player who has played for five different teams since being drafted in 2015—including the Titans, Raiders, Falcons, and Eagles—this stability is invaluable for his wife and daughter, Kiyomi and Makaia. Mariota’s focus remains on being a reliable veteran presence for the Commanders while prioritizing his role as a husband and father.

• The One Where They Tanked Jokes 15 Shocking New Secrets From The Friends Tv Show Behind The Scenes G9zdh

Topical Authority: The Mariota-Cook Family and Future

The Mariota-Cook family represents a successful balance between a demanding professional sports career and a solid personal life. Kiyomi Cook’s background in exercise and sport science (she holds a Master's degree in the field) gives her a unique insight into the rigors of her husband's profession. This mutual understanding, rooted in their shared college days, is a cornerstone of their long-lasting relationship.

The couple is known for their involvement in charitable work, particularly through the Mariota Motiv8 Foundation, which aims to empower youth through sports and education. Entities like the Mariota Motiv8 Foundation, University of Oregon, Heisman Trophy Trust, and the Washington Commanders organization are all deeply intertwined with the Mariota family narrative. As Marcus Mariota enters the later stages of his NFL career, the focus on his family—Kiyomi and Makaia—will only grow, solidifying their status as one of the most grounded couples in the league.

In conclusion, the answer to "Is Marcus Mariota married?" is an unequivocal yes. He and Kiyomi Cook are a solid, married unit, raising their daughter and navigating the NFL together, proving that a strong family life is possible even amid the chaos of professional football.