Why did Marcus Mariota Leave the Falcons? Is Marcus Mariota Still in the NFL?
by Sai V
Updated Aug 09, 2023
Why did Marcus Mariota Leave the Falcons?
Marcus Mariota's departure from the Atlanta Falcons was a result of a confluence of factors that significantly impacted his decision. The quarterback's unexpected benching in favor of rookie Desmond Ridder during the 2022 season's final stretch led to shockwaves across the NFL community. The situation intensified when the Falcons swiftly announced Mariota's departure on the same day Rider was declared the new starting quarterback.
This portrayal of Mariota as abandoning his team during a crucial period thrust him into intense scrutiny, raising questions about his commitment. However, the Netflix docuseries "Quarterback" sheds light on Mariota's side of the story, revealing that his departure was influenced by a profound personal moment – the birth of his first child, Makaia.
Amid the whirlwind of emotions surrounding the birth, Mariota faced a pivotal conversation with Falcons' head coach Arthur Smith, who informed him of his replacement and the team's decision to play Ridder for the remainder of the season. Mariota's subsequent choice to undergo surgery for a chronic knee injury further underscored the complexity of his situation, ultimately leading to his departure from the team.
In a distinct turn of events, the documentary not only delves into the pressures and vulnerabilities faced by NFL players but also highlights Mariota's dedication to his family. The valuable bonding time he gained with his newborn daughter during his departure from the team emerged as a significant factor in his decision-making process. As Mariota embarked on a new chapter with the Philadelphia Eagles, signing a one-year contract, the series encapsulates the multifaceted narrative that led to his departure from the Falcons.
From the unexpected benching and the controversy that followed to the personal factors influencing his choice, "Quarterback" paints a comprehensive picture of why Mariota left the Falcons and embraced a new opportunity in his NFL journey.
Is Marcus Mariota Still in the NFL?
Yes, Marcus Mariota is indeed still an active player in the National Football League (NFL). Currently donning the jersey of the Philadelphia Eagles, Mariota has traversed a dynamic NFL journey that has seen him play for several teams. Beginning his professional career as the second overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, selected by the Tennessee Titans, Mariota quickly made an impact with his talent and versatility.
Throughout his career, he has showcased his prowess not only as a quarterback but also as a remarkable athlete capable of making significant contributions on the field.While his roles and teams have shifted over the years – from the Titans to the Las Vegas Raiders and subsequently the Atlanta Falcons before landing with the Eagles – Mariota's presence in the league has remained steadfast.
His accolades extend beyond the NFL, as he garnered notable awards during his college years at the University of Oregon, including the prestigious Heisman Trophy. With a multifaceted skill set, Mariota's enduring presence in the NFL continues to captivate fans and draw attention, making him a prominent and respected figure within the realm of American football.
Is Marcus Mariota Still With the Falcons?
No, Marcus Mariota is not currently a part of the Atlanta Falcons. His tenure with the Falcons came to an end during the 2022 season when he was benched in favor of rookie quarterback Desmond Ridder with only four games left in the season. This decision to bench Mariota sparked discussions and debates, with some suggesting that he had quit on the team due to his choice to undergo knee surgery and end his season early.
However, since then, Mariota's football journey has taken him to a new team. He is now associated with the Philadelphia Eagles, signifying a fresh chapter in his NFL career. Despite the initial controversy surrounding his departure from the Falcons, it seems that both Mariota and his former team have moved forward amicably.
The circumstances that led to his departure, including personal factors like the birth of his child and the team's strategic decisions, have contributed to a broader understanding of the situation. This transition underscores the dynamic nature of professional sports, where players move between teams based on a variety of factors, and life continues for all parties involved.
Did Marcus Mariota Quit the Falcons?
The departure of Marcus Mariota from the Atlanta Falcons has been a subject of debate, and Netflix's documentary series "Quarterback" delves into the circumstances surrounding his exit. While some questioned whether Mariota quit on the Falcons, the documentary sheds light on the complexities of his decision. During the team's bye week, Mariota's daughter was born, coinciding with a meeting between him and head coach Arthur Smith.
It was during this discussion that Mariota learned of the team's decision to start rookie Desmond Ridder for the remaining games of the 2022 season due to limited playoff chances. Mariota's subsequent choice to undergo knee surgery for a chronic injury further added to the narrative. Despite the speculation, the documentary highlights the supportive perspective of Smith, emphasizing the humanity of NFL players and their lives beyond the field.
As a result of these insights, Mariota's move to the Philadelphia Eagles for the upcoming season is underscored as a significant transition, marking his fourth team in the NFL. His journey reflects the multifaceted decisions and challenges players face, illustrating that his departure from the Falcons was a result of a combination of factors rather than a straightforward decision to quit the team.
Atlanta Falcons Marcus Mariota
Marcus Mariota's journey with the Atlanta Falcons marked a notable chapter in his NFL career. After being drafted second overall by the Tennessee Titans in the 2015 NFL Draft, Mariota ventured to the Falcons in 2022. His time with the Falcons was marked by unexpected turns, including an unexpected benching in favor of rookie Desmond Ridder with only four games left in the 2022 season.
This move ignited controversy within the NFL community, with questions arising about Mariota's commitment to the team during a crucial period. Netflix's documentary series "Quarterback" offered viewers a deeper understanding of his departure, shedding light on personal factors such as the birth of his daughter and the decision to undergo knee surgery for a chronic injury.
Despite the speculation surrounding his departure, the series emphasized the supportive perspective of Falcons head coach Arthur Smith, acknowledging the humanity and personal lives of NFL players. Mariota's move to the Philadelphia Eagles for the subsequent season marked the end of his stint with the Falcons.
This transition underscores the dynamic nature of professional sports, where player movements are influenced by a combination of personal considerations and team strategies.
Who is Marcus Mariota?
Marcus Ardel Taulauniu Mariota is an American football quarterback who gained recognition both in college and the National Football League (NFL). Born on October 30, 1993, Mariota's standout college career was marked by his time as the starting quarterback for the University of Oregon from 2012 to 2014. He achieved a significant milestone in 2014 when he became the first player from the University of Oregon and the first Hawaii-born athlete to secure the Heisman Trophy. This award marked his exceptional contributions to the sport and solidified his place in football history.
Transitioning to the NFL, Mariota was selected as the second overall pick by the Tennessee Titans in the 2015 NFL Draft. Under his leadership as the starting quarterback, the Titans experienced a remarkable turnaround, going from a team that had won only five games in two previous seasons to achieving three consecutive winning seasons, a feat not seen since the team's earlier days as the Houston Oilers. Despite his early success, Mariota was eventually replaced as the Titans' starting quarterback midway through the 2019 season. He later joined the Las Vegas Raiders as a backup to Derek Carr and subsequently signed with the Atlanta Falcons in 2022, continuing his professional journey in the world of football.
Why Did Marcus Mariota Leave The Falcons - FAQs
Marcus Mariota left the Falcons due to a mix of factors, including being benched in favor of a rookie quarterback and his daughter's birth, as revealed in the documentary "Quarterback."
Yes, Marcus Mariota is currently an active player in the NFL, now with the Philadelphia Eagles.
No, Marcus Mariota is no longer with the Atlanta Falcons; he joined the Philadelphia Eagles after his departure from the Falcons.
No, Mariota's departure from the Falcons was influenced by team decisions and personal factors, as depicted in the documentary "Quarterback."
Mariota's stint with the Falcons was marked by his unexpected benching, personal considerations, and eventual departure for the Philadelphia Eagles.