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ASSOCIATED PRESS
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota threw during the first half against the Kansas City Chiefs in Kansas City, Mo. Sunday.
As somebody who grew up watching Pro Bowl players from afar, joining them next month would be the realization of a long-held dream for quarterback Marcus Mariota.
“For me personally, it (the Pro Bowl) definitely would be a dream come true,” Mariota told media in Nashville, Tenn. where the Titans are preparing for Sunday’s game against Jacksonville.
Mariota was named an alternate for the AFC squad Tuesday.
New England’s Tom Brady was named the AFC starter while Derek Carr of Oakland and Ben Roethlisberger of Pittsburgh are the backups.
The Jan. 29 game will be played at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla. after spending all but two of the previous 37 years at Aloha Stadium. Mariota used to attend the public Pro Bowl Experience at Kapiolani Park as a youngster and collect autographs.
In some years — due to injuries, players appearing in the Super Bowl and other reasons — the game has been forced to reach to the fourth alternates to fill out the quarterback position.
Five Titans were selected to the AFC team, and Mariota, a second-year player, said, “But I really believe there are a lot of guys in that locker room that deserve it. They’ve worked hard all year. They’ve made great plays. And it’s always kind of fun to see guys get a little bit of recognition for that.”
Go Marcus!
He’s a shoe-in because Tom Brady never goes to the Pro Bowl!
That is because he usually goes to the Super Bowl. Why settle for a second place game?
Chances are good he will be at the Pro Bowl. Tom Brady hasn’t participated in one for years and Ben usually is so banged up he turns the offer down.
And…if the Raiders make the Super Bowl, Carr will not play either so it’s remotely possible that Mariota will start!
based on your reason, sorry, but Carr will definitely be playing in the Pro Bowl. Hehe..
Get chance, Marcus. Even if you don’t go this year, guarans you going in the future. Only getting better. Good luck.
No question about it this guy is good but what make him Great is said best in the last paragraph of this article. Read his quote and if he keep this same this compassionate outlook in life, he will be the Greatest no matter what his role in life will be. God bless you, Mr. Mariota!
Wow! Finally reading 5 positive comments….it is very refreshing ~Ke akua pomaika’i Marcus!…Hauoli Na Kulai’a To All!
It’s difficult to say anything bad about Marcus. He is such a nice guy and great role model to all of us, young or old. If there is anything, back in his Oregon days, some say he was TOO nice. Well, if anyone can be TOO nice, Marcus is guilty. Can’t wait to see him play in the Pro Bowl!
IRT WizardOfMoa, completely agree with your post. Mahalo.
Well said WizardOfMoa!
It would be nice to see him get in as an alternate in Orlando this year. It would be more fitting however to see him return as an actual selection at Aloha Stadium in the next few years. Can you imagine the homecoming and applause? Go Marcus!
I mentioned this in an earlier post that Marcus Mariota is destined, barring injury, to become an elite NFL Quarterback. His play and passing stats speak for themselves. His ability to complete passes inside the Red Zone is unbelievably “off the charts”! His short to mid range passing is equal, bar none, to any NFL Quarterback playing the game right now. His deep passing statistics have really improved and that was mainly due to a much improved offensive line and pass protection he didn’t have last year. Nothing to do with his throwing motion or ability to read the deep safety. His ability to play and win in “BIG GAMES” are happening RIGHT NOW, and have come in steps as he has learned from losses and his mistakes. The recent big wins against Denver and Kansas City taught him that he doesn’t have to play spectacular to win, that they have a running game that can control field position and manage the clock and a defense that can keep it a decent low scoring game. The more he plays the more the game will slow down for him as he’ll see the same teams over and over again and will read defenses better than he does now. His team mates have total respect for him and love to play for him. Tennessee is on the verge of being their Conference Champion and playoff team. If the team can draft or sign players that can further improve their offensive passing and defensive passing game, they will contend for many years to come. And it all starts with Marcus!
He will play as an alternate. Brady and Carr will withdraw for sure. Roth will be resting injury on the beaches of Ko Olina.
Playing for the Titans and winning! Of course he should go!
Congrats to Marcus for being selected and recognized. Such a humble and compassionate local boy, who is winning and turning that franchise around in only his 2nd year. Where are the previous bloggers who wrote when he was drafted that he’s not a drop back passer, can’t work under center, not strong enough to handle NFL pressure, etc. . . .? Eating their words now.
Go Titans.
I was one of the very few, maybe the only one who was telling Mr. Mariota that he COULD do it and that he COULD execute! He makes Hawaii so very proud!
High nose Brady will probably not attend since they may be going to the super bowl but even if they don’t ( which i hope they don’t ) he will pass on it.
Like Mariota’s new look with the beard and all. He will have a real good chance in going and if he does that in it self will be worth watching.
Being just a alternate he shouldn’t accept. Why? It is not the same as being fully elected to the pro bowl. Plus the pro bowl is a farce and not a true football game. No one wants to get hurt and no one wants to hurt anyone even accidentally. Saying that how can this game really show the true abilities of all the participating players?? It is entertainment though
Wow danji! 1 out of 16….But you are totally, 100% correct “It is entertainment” and those actors are taking it to the “bank”, because we’re paying the price to be entertained. Marcus! accept & also take it to the “BANK”.
Be honest, Marcus, and tell us your dream is going to the Super Bowl instead of the Pro Bowl.
He’s living his dream.
The Titans are still in the run for the playoffs.
Brady not going so mariota makes it