Marcus Mariota's Wife, Kiyomi Cook, Is His College Sweetheart

Published on July 5, 2023 at 5:05 PM

Marcus Mariota and his wife, Kiyomi Cook, are teammates for life. The couple first met while attending the University of Oregon together, where they were both proud members of the Ducks's athletic teams. Over the years, the two have gone on to get married and expanded their family by adding two dogs and a beautiful baby girl.

While they're extremely private about their personal life, thanks to Mariota's Motiv8 Foundation, fans can get glimpses of their family on special occasions, including Father's Day and Mother's Day, on social media. Those little teases leave those who look up to Mariota and Cook hoping they'll get to know the couple more when Netflix's "Quarterback" premieres on July 12. The show follows the life of Mariota — as well as NFL stars Patrick Mahomes and Kirk Cousins — both on and off the field.

In the official trailer for the show, Mariota can be seen holding Cook's hand while he walks with their daughter in a carrier that he's wearing on his chest. In a second shot, Cook tells the camera she "knows what" she "signed up for" becoming the wife of an NFL quarterback. For now, take a look back at Cook and Mariota's relationship timeline.

Marcus Mariota and Kiyomi Cook Meet

While it's unclear exactly when Mariota and Cook first started dating, it's known that they've been together since their time at the University of Oregon.

It's possible the pair bonded over their passion for sports, since Mariota was Oregon's superstar quarterback from 2012 to 2014, per Ducks Wire. He was the Ducks's first-ever Heisman Trophy winner, and according to the school's sports website, Mariota is "the most decorated player in school history" who "led Oregon to more wins (36) than any of his contemporaries in three seasons while holding no fewer than seven of the program's season and career passing pinnacles, and eclipsing conference standards."

Cook, meanwhile, was a key component on the university's soccer team from 2011 to 2014. During her freshman and sophmore years, Cook was the team's defender, and by her final two seasons, she was the Ducks's midfielder.

Marcus Mariota and Kiyomi Cook Get Engaged

While Cook's Instagram is private and Mariota doesn't have a personal account, the couple do run a public page for their dogs, known as The Frenchtons. On June 24, 2020, a post on the pup's Instagram page confirmed the happy news that the longtime pair were engaged.

"Mom and dad made it official 💍 #foreverfrenchtons," the post read. According to a local Hawaii news outlet, the football player "proposed to his college sweetheart Kiyomi Cook this past weekend in Eugene, Ore., in an elaborate proposal in front of friends and family."

Marcus Mariota and Kiyomi Cook Get Married

Cook and Mariota tied the knot on July 1, 2021, according to KHON2 news in Hawaii. The outlet reported that there were about 100 people in attendance at the wedding, including the couple's beloved dogs. Mariota's former Tennessee Titans teammate Logan Ryan shared sweet photos from the outdoor ceremony on Instagram, writing, "Hawaiian Royalty got married last night!! Thank you Kiyomi and Marcus for including us. Nothing but eternal happiness for you two. MAHALO 🤙🏾 🏝."

Months later, the news was subtly confirmed in a post on the official Instagram page for Mariota's Motiv8 Foundation. "Wake up Duck Fans, it's game day! ICYMI This football season @skeiesjewelers will be donating 100% of proceeds of their Oregon collection to the Motiv8 Foundation," the post read, before referring to Cook as Mariota's wife. "We are so grateful for this partnership and the likemindedness support from Skeies in wanting to give back to our communities. Check out these custom Oregon collection rings designed for Marcus and wife, Kiyomi! And always, #goducks."

Marcus Mariota and Kiyomi Cook Welcome Their First Baby

Mariota and Cook welcomed their first child, a baby girl named Makaia Kei Mariota, on Dec. 7, 2022. The joyful news was confirmed on Mariota's foundation's Instagram page alongside a beautiful picture of the family of three.

"December 7th, 2022. Marcus and Kiyomi welcomed their daughter Makaia Kei Mariota into the world 💕," the caption read. "Officially a #girldad."

According to Hawaii's KHON2 news, the newborn weighed eight pounds and five ounces and measured 21 inches. Days later, a second family photo was posted to Instagram, showing the proud parents with their entire family, including their dogs. The snap was Christmas-themed and showed the doting mom holding their daughter while Mariota held one dog in each arm.