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Marcus Mariota received the news Thursday afternoon that he had been drafted by the Tennessee Titans. (Thomas Boyd/Oregonian/Oregonlive/POOL)
Quarterback Marcus Mariota passed on an award-winning appearance at the ESPY’s tonight in Los Angeles to spend more time in Hawaii, where he has added Island Insurance as his latest endorsement deal.
Mariota, the 2014 Heisman Trophy winner and first round pick of the Tennessee Titans, was announced as the ESPY winner for the Best Male College Athlete, among the awards presented in the nationally televised event.
Mariota won the ESPY over Wisconsin basketball player, Frank Kaminsky, Boston College hockey player Jack Eichel, Ohio State wrestler Logan Stieber and Vanderbilt baseball player Dansby Swanson.
While in Honolulu Mariota is scheduled to shoot a commercial for Island Insurance, the state’s largest locally-owned property and casualty insurance carrier. As part of their deal, which was announced today, Mariota will be featured in the company’s advertising, scheduled to begin airing in the fall, and on its website, www.islandinsurance.com.
“Marcus’ athletic talents are without question, but it is the quality of his character that makes him a special individual,” said John Schapperle, President and CEO of Island Insurance. “His integrity, humility and pride in his island roots are values we hold deeply and have been cornerstones of our company culture for 75 years.”
Terms of the deal were not announced.
The addition of Island Insurance gives Mariota at least six major endorsements deals before he plays his first game for the Titans, who selected him with the second overall pick of the April NFL Draft.
First Hawaiian Bank is his only other Hawaii-based endorsement deal.
Mariota is scheduled to return to the Tennessee Titans July 30 for the opening of preseason camp, pending resolution of his contract.
Following the 2014 football season Mariota’s awards included the Maxwell Award, Davey O’Brien Award and Unitas Award.
