MUST READ: Talented star player reveals reason why he chose to wear historic jersey number
Marcus Mariota, the backup quarterback for the Washington Commanders, is poised to make NFL history in 2024 by becoming the first quarterback to wear the No. 0 jersey. The former Oregon Ducks star and Heisman Trophy winner, who is entering his 10th season in the league, has chosen this unique number to prove his doubters wrong.
Mariota, who has faced challenges throughout his career, is determined to silence his critics and demonstrate his value to the Commanders organization. By donning the No. 0 jersey, he aims to symbolize his journey of overcoming obstacles and emerging stronger than ever before.
As the 2024 NFL season approaches, all eyes will be on Mariota as he makes history with his jersey choice. Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see if the veteran quarterback can make an impact on the field and lead the Commanders to success.
According to the information provided, Marcus Mariota’s decision to wear the No. 0 jersey in 2024 represents a significant shift from his previous jersey numbers. Throughout his NFL and college career, Mariota had primarily worn the numbers 8 and 1, until the 2022 season when he switched to No. 1 with the Atlanta Falcons. He then reverted to No. 8 last season with the Philadelphia Eagles.
The ability for Mariota to wear the No. 0 jersey is due to a recent change in the NFL’s rules regarding eligible jersey numbers for different position groups. While the league initially updated the eligible numbers in 2021, the numbers for quarterbacks (1-19) remained unchanged. However, prior to the 2023 season, the league further updated the eligibility rules, making the No. 0 available for quarterbacks as well.
Interestingly, despite the new rule, no quarterbacks opted to wear the No. 0 jersey during the 2023 NFL season. Mariota’s decision to be the first quarterback to don the unique number in the league’s history is seen as a bold move, as he aims to prove his doubters wrong and make a significant impact on the field.
Marcus Mariota signed a one-year deal to join the Washington Commanders in March 2024. He is expected to serve as the backup quarterback to Jayden Daniels, who was selected by the Commanders with the 2nd overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Mariota cited several factors that led him to sign with the Commanders, including the team’s new ownership, the arrival of first-year head coach Dan Quinn, and the opportunity to be part of a new regime and help set the trajectory for the franchise.
In Mariota’s own words, “To be part of a new regime. A new owner, new staff, new players. It’s a great opportunity to set the trajectory for a franchise. That opportunity itself was something I was excited to be a part of.
