Last Updated on October 20, 2026 by Tanos Potter
Marcus Mariota’s family has been a major source of inspiration throughout his football career, from his childhood in Honolulu, Hawaii, to becoming an NFL quarterback. The Washington Commanders player is married to Kiyomi Cook, a former University of Oregon soccer player, and they have a daughter named Makaia Kei Mariota. His parents, Toa Mariota and Alana Deppe-Mariota, helped him pursue his football dreams, while his younger brother, Matt Mariota, followed him into college football.
Born on October 30, 1993, Marcus Ardel Taulauniu Mariota became one of Hawaii’s most successful football players. He won the 2014 Heisman Trophy at the University of Oregon before being selected second overall by the Tennessee Titans in the 2015 NFL Draft. Behind his professional achievements is a close-knit family with Samoan and German ancestry, a strong connection to Hawaiian culture, and a commitment to helping others.
Who Is Marcus Mariota’s Wife?
Marcus Mariota’s wife is Kiyomi Cook, a former collegiate soccer player, coach and community volunteer. The couple met while attending the University of Oregon in 2014 and began dating publicly in 2015.
At the time, Mariota was establishing himself as one of college football’s leading quarterbacks, while Cook was a midfielder for the Oregon Ducks women’s soccer team.
Their shared experiences as student-athletes helped establish a relationship that continued after Mariota entered the NFL.
In June 2020, Mariota proposed to Cook during a visit to the University of Oregon campus, where their relationship had begun.
The couple married in July 2021 in a ceremony on Oahu, Hawaii. Approximately 100 guests reportedly attended the wedding, including Mariota’s former Tennessee Titans teammate Logan Ryan.
As of now, Mariota and Cook remain publicly recognized as a married couple and share responsibility for raising their daughter.
Who Is Kiyomi Cook?
Kiyomi Cook was born in 1993 to Karl and Carol Cook and grew up in Gresham, Oregon, alongside her sister Kerri.
She attended Sam Barlow High School, where she established herself as a talented soccer player and earned athletic recognition.
After high school, Cook enrolled at the University of Oregon, studying human physiology and psychology while representing the university’s women’s soccer team.
She subsequently completed a master’s degree in exercise and nutrition science at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tennessee.
Cook also worked as a soccer coach. Her professional experience includes coaching at the University School of Nashville between 2015 and 2019 and Father Ryan High School between 2016 and 2020.
Beyond sports and education, Kiyomi has played an important role in her husband’s charitable activities. She serves as social media director for the Motiv8 Foundation, a nonprofit organization established by Mariota to support young people through education, athletics and community programs.
Although married to a prominent NFL quarterback, Cook generally maintains a relatively private personal life. She occasionally appears alongside Mariota at football games, charitable events and family celebrations.
How Many Children Does Marcus Mariota Have?
Marcus Mariota has one publicly confirmed child, a daughter named Makaia Kei Mariota. She was born on December 7, 2022, to Mariota and his wife, Kiyomi Cook.
The couple announced their daughter’s birth through social media, celebrating their first experience of parenthood.
As of now, Makaia is their only child whose birth has been publicly confirmed. There have been no reliable public announcements establishing that Mariota has additional children.
Makaia Kei Mariota — Marcus Mariota’s Daughter
Makaia Kei Mariota was born on December 7, 2022, during her father’s time with the Atlanta Falcons.
Her arrival marked an important milestone for the family, giving Mariota a new perspective on his responsibilities outside professional football.
The experience was documented in the first season of Netflix’s sports documentary series Quarterback, which followed Mariota, Patrick Mahomes and Kirk Cousins throughout the 2022 NFL season.
During the documentary, Kiyomi discussed the challenges of expecting their first child during football season, particularly while living far from extended family members.
Mariota has frequently expressed how much becoming a father means to him. Speaking with reporters in June 2024, he explained that returning home to his daughter was one of the most rewarding parts of his day.
Makaia has accompanied her parents to NFL games, football training camps and community events.
In April 2023, Mariota also shared a memorable family moment when he showed his daughter the Heisman Trophy he had won at Oregon.
Despite occasionally sharing family photographs, Marcus and Kiyomi generally protect their daughter’s privacy and keep much of her everyday life outside the public spotlight.
Who Are Marcus Mariota’s Parents?
Marcus Mariota’s parents are Toa Mariota and Alana Deppe-Mariota. They raised Marcus and his younger brother, Matthew, in Honolulu, Hawaii.
His father is of Samoan ancestry, while his mother has German ancestry and was born in Alaska.
Both parents have been widely credited with helping Mariota develop the discipline, humility and determination that characterized his college and professional football careers.
Marcus Mariota’s Father: Toa Mariota
Toa Mariota is Marcus Mariota’s father and an influential figure in his upbringing.
Originally from American Samoa, Toa moved to Hawaii, where he attended Chaminade University and established his family.
Toa was closely involved in Marcus’ early athletic development. He encouraged his son’s interest in sports and helped him understand the importance of effort, patience and perseverance.
One of the family’s most significant sacrifices came during Marcus’ high school years.
Toa and Alana sold their house overlooking Diamond Head in Honolulu partly to finance their son’s education and travel to football camps on the United States mainland.
At the time, Mariota had limited national recruiting exposure, making those camps particularly important for attracting the attention of college coaches.
The family’s investment eventually paid off when Mariota received the opportunity to play at the University of Oregon.
Toa has also been involved in his son’s philanthropic activities. He is listed as a co-founder of the Motiv8 Foundation, which provides educational opportunities, sports programs and assistance to communities in need.
His continued involvement reflects the family’s emphasis on using professional success to create opportunities for others.
Marcus Mariota’s Mother: Alana Deppe-Mariota
Marcus Mariota’s mother, Alana Deppe-Mariota, has been one of his most consistent supporters throughout his football journey.
Born in Alaska, Alana later moved to Hawaii, where she attended Chaminade University and built a family with Toa Mariota.
She played an important role in raising Marcus and his younger brother while helping them balance academic responsibilities and athletic ambitions.
During Mariota’s college career at Oregon, Alana frequently traveled to attend games and provide emotional support.
In interviews with Sports Illustrated, she discussed her son’s reserved personality and the challenges of adjusting to the enormous attention he attracted as a successful college quarterback.
Alana was particularly proud when Mariota won the 2014 Heisman Trophy, becoming the first player born in Hawaii to receive the award.
Like her husband, Alana is a co-founder of the Motiv8 Foundation. Her involvement in the organization has helped maintain the Mariota family’s commitment to community service.
As of now, she remains an important figure in her son’s family background and philanthropic work.
Who Are Marcus Mariota’s Siblings?
Marcus Mariota has one publicly documented sibling, his younger brother Matthew “Matt” Mariota.
The brothers grew up together in Honolulu, Hawaii, and both attended Saint Louis School before continuing their football journeys at the University of Oregon.
While Marcus became a celebrated quarterback, Matthew pursued a different path as a defensive player during his early college career.
Matt Mariota — Marcus Mariota’s Younger Brother
Matthew Mariota, commonly known as Matt Mariota, is the younger brother of NFL quarterback Marcus Mariota.
Like his older brother, Matt developed a passion for football while growing up in Hawaii.
He attended Saint Louis School in Honolulu and later joined the Oregon Ducks football program as a walk-on linebacker in 2015.
Matt chose to attend Oregon despite knowing that his older brother had become one of the most successful players in the university’s history.
His football experience was different from Marcus’ because he focused on defense rather than pursuing a career as a quarterback. He was also subsequently listed as a tight end during his time with the Ducks.
In a September 2015 Sports Illustrated profile, Matt discussed the challenges of following a famous sibling while trying to establish his own identity as a college athlete.
Despite their different personalities and playing positions, the brothers have maintained a supportive relationship.
Marcus regularly offered his younger brother advice about college football, training and adjusting to life away from Hawaii.
The brothers’ relationship reflects the close family environment in which they grew up and their shared appreciation for football.
As of now, Matt maintains a significantly lower public profile than his older brother, and current information about his professional and personal activities is limited.
Marcus Mariota’s Family Background and Heritage
Marcus Mariota was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii, in a family with Samoan and German ancestry.
His father’s Samoan heritage has been an important part of his identity, connecting him to Polynesian cultural traditions and values centered on respect, humility, family and community.
Mariota has frequently spoken about his pride in representing Hawaii and serving as an example for young athletes from the Pacific Islands.
His success at Oregon helped challenge perceptions about the opportunities available to quarterbacks from Hawaii.
His family has also emphasized the importance of education and service to others, values that remain visible through the Motiv8 Foundation.
How Marcus Mariota’s Family Influenced His Football Career
Marcus Mariota’s journey to the NFL involved significant support and sacrifice from his parents and younger brother.
During his high school career, he was not initially considered one of the country’s most prominent quarterback prospects.
His parents nevertheless believed in his ability and helped him gain exposure to college recruiters by financing travel and training opportunities.
Their efforts eventually helped Mariota secure a place at Oregon, where he developed into a national football star.
In 2014, Mariota won the Heisman Trophy after an outstanding season with the Ducks, bringing national recognition to his university, his family and his home state.
The Tennessee Titans subsequently selected him with the second overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft.
His NFL career later included periods with the Las Vegas Raiders, Atlanta Falcons, Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders.
Throughout these transitions, Mariota has continued to emphasize the importance of family support and stability.
His marriage to Kiyomi Cook and the birth of their daughter have added another dimension to his personal life, while his charitable foundation continues the tradition of helping others that his parents encouraged.
Frequently Asked Questions About Marcus Mariota’s Family
Who is Marcus Mariota’s wife?
Marcus Mariota is married to Kiyomi Cook, a former University of Oregon soccer player and coach. They married in July 2021 in Hawaii.
Does Marcus Mariota have a girlfriend?
Marcus Mariota does not have a publicly identified girlfriend because he is married to his longtime partner, Kiyomi Cook.
How many children does Marcus Mariota have?
Marcus Mariota has one publicly confirmed child, a daughter named Makaia Kei Mariota, born on December 7, 2022.
Who are Marcus Mariota’s parents?
His parents are Toa Mariota and Alana Deppe-Mariota. They raised him in Honolulu, Hawaii, and supported his football career from childhood.
Who is Marcus Mariota’s brother?
Marcus Mariota’s younger brother is Matthew “Matt” Mariota, who played college football at the University of Oregon.
Does Marcus Mariota have a sister?
There is no publicly verified information identifying a sister. His younger brother Matt is his only widely documented sibling.
What nationality are Marcus Mariota’s parents?
His father, Toa Mariota, has Samoan roots, while his mother, Alana Deppe-Mariota, was born in Alaska and has German ancestry. Marcus was born in Hawaii and is American.
Where did Marcus Mariota meet his wife?
Marcus Mariota met Kiyomi Cook at the University of Oregon in 2014, when he played football and she represented the university’s women’s soccer team.
What is the Motiv8 Foundation?
The Motiv8 Foundation is a nonprofit organization founded by Marcus Mariota in 2015. It supports young people through educational initiatives, athletic programs and community assistance. His parents are co-founders, and his wife is involved in its communications work.
Tanos Potter is a sports journalist and NFL analyst dedicated to bringing fans closer to the gridiron through deep tactical analysis and roster coverage. He breaks down offensive and defensive schemes, quarterback performance, trade moves, and top Draft prospects. Tracking action across both the AFC and NFC, Tanos translates complex playbooks and statistics into engaging, actionable insights for football enthusiasts.
