That’s what it’s all about.
Yep, I’m talking about Marcus Mariota, the Heisman Trophy, and sports the way they should be.
In recent weeks I’ve spoken of, and reminded everyone how special a player and young man Marcus Mariota is. Saturday night, I, fans of the University of Oregon, and people nationwide saw just how special.
In an era of “me first” athletes more concerned with building a brand rather than a reputation worthy of respect, the 80th Heisman Trophy winner provided us all with a moment, as well as a bit of hope for what sports were and still could be for a generation okay with “getting theirs.”
This wasn’t about fame or notoriety, but rather acknowledgement of those responsible for making Marcus who he is, and for the countless people looking for inspiration from one of their own.
He spent the better part of 3 minutes thanking everyone from his teammates, to a lifetime worth of coaches, and finally his parents for providing him the tools to do something he couldn’t have done without them. It seemed it wasn’t, nor ever has been about the player who’s wowed us over the past 3 seasons on the field, but rather everyone else’s role in making such possible.
Yes, as an Oregonian I’m predisposed to liking Marcus Mariota. But one needn’t be tied to the player to appreciate and root for the guy who stood their Saturday night, accepting an award for his performance between the lines, but earning our praise and admiration for his behavior everywhere else.
I looked forward to last Saturday night’s presentation due to its historical value regarding Oregon sports, but will look back on it as a proud moment for sports and everyone who plays them. During a time in which were constantly reminded of the knucklehead behavior both in and surrounding our games, for a few misty-eyed moments I was reminded of what a role model should be, and why our sports heroes can be just that … in spite of what Charles Barkley once said.
Like it or not, kids look up to their sports heroes. It’s a responsibility players have taken lightly in recent years, but one Mariota seems determined to own. He’s polite, generous with his time, and charitable above and beyond. He seems to say all the right things, and more importantly seems to mean them.
For a week now, it’s been all Marcus, all the time. Beginning in Orlando last Thursday, to Baltimore a day later, and ending in New York with the Late Show Monday night, the Oregon signal-caller opened the nation’s eyes to what those in and around the University of Oregon have known for 4 years: The soft-spoken quarterback from St. Louis High School in Hawaii, is pretty special. I’ve known it, you likely knew it, and now the rest of the country that habitually ignores things west of the Mississippi knows it too.
Ask the college football print reporters who tweeted praise following his speech. Ask the syndicated television and radio hosts who’ve gushed about his character. And ask ESPN’s Chris Fowler, Kirk Herbstreit, and Lee Corso, who could barely compose themselves shortly after Marcus’ heart-felt “thank you” at last weekend’s Heisman presentation. I didn’t need to see or hear any of it to know what we’re lucky enough to have here in the state of Oregon, but I’m glad I did, and I’m glad everyone else is now on the same page.
Thank you Marcus Mariota, for the highlight plays, the way in which you’ve represented Oregon, and the ounce of faith you’ve restored in the people that play the games we all love.
Now, go play some football!
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