The New York Post has a proposal for the NFL’s New York Jets: “Suck for the Duck.” The ”Duck” is, of course, the 80th Heisman Trophy winner, Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota. After Mariota became the first Oregon player and native Hawaiian to win the Heisman (by the second-largest margin in the history of the award), the redshirt junior sensation has captured hearts around the nation and the imaginations of major news organizations.
The cover of today’s Post features a picture of the Heisman winner with its colorful plea to a crestfallen Jets football team. Why? The NFL draft is designed to provide teams with the worst records first crack at the nation’s top college prospects. Mariota is expected to be a high first-round pick for the 2015 NFL draft.
The Jets’ new marketing campaign. pic.twitter.com/8lVYOPbVoX
— Bart Hubbuch (@BartHubbuch) December 14, 2014
The Jets have posted a funereal 2-11 record and peacefully rest at the bottom of the AFC East. After two relatively fruitless seasons with current Jets’ quarterback Geno Smith, it is a foregone conclusion that the Jets will be seeking a new quarterback.
What does Mariota think about all this?
As a Heisman winner, Mariota is expected to enter the 2015 NFL Draft as a high first round pick
“If the Jets like me and it happens that they take me, I’ll be the best Jet I can be and play my heart out for them. I’ll do whatever it takes to win games. I would love to play for them,” Mariota told the Post on Friday night.
And they would be lucky to have him. Mariota is a leader both on and off the field and would be an ideal representative for any NFL franchise. The Oregon star leads the nation in passing efficiency with an astronomical quarterback rating of 186.1 and leads the NCAA in total touchdowns (52), passing yards per attempt (10.1), total yards (4,442), and total yards per play (9.1).
More importantly, Mariota’s stellar athleticism is complimented with gentle humility and a deep appreciation for his family, teammates, coaches, and fans. In his Heisman Trophy acceptance speech, the humble Hawaiian thanked everyone who helped him along the way to become the greatest quarterback in Oregon history.
But last night’s award show wasn’t about the Jets, the NFL, the media’s grand speculations, or anything other than honoring this young man and his three magical seasons as a Duck.
“Fa’afetai tele lava (thank you very much). God bless, and go Ducks,” Marcus said in closing of his acceptance speech.
On behalf of Oregon fans everywhere: Fa’afetai tele lava, Marcus.
Top photo from video
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Jordan is a lifelong Duck fan currently living in San Diego. Jordan graduated from The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington, after serving a prestigious fellowship with the Washington State House of Representatives. Upon graduation, he worked as an English language teaching assistant for the Spanish Ministry of Education’s Ambassadorial Program in Monforte de Lemos, Spain. Jordan has worked as a journalist, writer, and editor in Oregon, Washington, Montana, and California, covering a wide range of topics, including sports, local politics, and crime. He is VERY excited to be writing about his beloved Oregon Ducks.