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Heisman Winner Marcus Mariota Pays Tribute to Poly Roots

The first Oregon Duck to win the Heisman is also the first-ever Hawaiian player. In his acceptance speech, Marcus Mariota paid tribute to his roots.
Image: 2014 Heisman Trophy Presentation
The first-ever Hawaiian, and the first Oregon Duck to win the highest collegiate football honor -- Marcus Mariota -- was also the first Heisman winner to say 'thank you,' in Samoan during his acceptance speech. Alex Goodlett / Getty Images

Wearing both a Hawaiian and a Samoan lei, a grey-suited Marcus Mariota held his Heisman Trophy and tearfully thanked those who helped him to win it.

The first-ever Hawaiian, and the first Oregon Duck to win the highest collegiate football honor was also the first Heisman winner to say 'thank you,' in Samoan during his acceptance speech.

Raised in Honolulu, where he attended St. Louis Prep - an all-male Catholic school - the 6-foot-4, 219-pound quarterback thanked players, coaches, teachers and his parents, Toa Mariota and Alana Deppe-Mariota, for keeping him "always mindful and faithful."

“I hope and pray that this is only the beginning,” Mariota said, before turning to his fellow Polynesians.

“To young Poly athletes everywhere,” he said. “You should take this as motivation and dream big and strive for greatness.”

In 2014, Mariota - a redshirt junior with another year of eligibility - threw for 3,783 yards and 38 touchdowns with just two interceptions. He's earned 10, 125 and 101 touchdowns over his college career, with just 12 interceptions.

Mariota will lead No. 3 ranked Oregon versus No. 2 ranked Florida in the Rose Bowl on Jan. 1. That game will also pit last year’s Heisman, Jameis Winston, with this year’s winner, Mariota.

Image: 2014 Heisman Trophy Presentation
Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota speaks to the media during a press conference after the 2014 Heisman Trophy presentation on December 13, 2014 in New York City.Alex Goodlett / Getty Images

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