Former Oregon Ducks Heisman-winning quarterback Marcus Mariota is experiencing some change to his NFL career in more ways than one.

Ahead of his 10th season in the league, Mariota is set to play for his fourth team in four years after signing with the Washington Commanders earlier this offseason. Getting to know unfamiliar surroundings has been nothing new for him over the past few seasons, as the constant change of scenery has led many to question whether or not the veteran can still produce at age 30.

He has an answer for the doubters, and is using his new jersey number as a way to constantly display the message for himself and those watching.

Mariota will be wearing No. 0 for Washington next season after sporting No. 8 for the Philadelphia Eagles last year. He revealed Friday when speaking to reporters why he decided to make the change. 

“Zero is something for me that’s just a reminder,” Mariota said. “I’m in year 10. People don’t think I can do it anymore. It’s just kind of a reminder everyday of ‘nobody really gives you a chance.’ And it’s cool to be able to remind yourself.”

Mariota was the No. 2 overall pick out of Oregon by the Tennessee Titans in the 2015 draft. He played five seasons in Nashville, leading the Titans to the AFC Divisional in Jan. 2018 where he squared off against Tom Brady in a 35-14 loss to the New England Patriots.

However, he’s failed to eclipse the 3,000-yard passing mark since leaving Tennessee and has struggled to find consistent production. Last season with the Eagles, Mariota appeared in three games, passing for 164 yards, one touchdown and one pick.

He and the Commanders will begin their regular season on Sunday, Sept. 8 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

In Oregon this year, we can vote to establish ranked-choice voting on future ballots, (“Ranked-choice voting could come to Oregon, if voters say yes in 2024,” June 25). RCV is a system of ballot voting that allows voters to list their top three to five candidates in order of preference instead of casting their vote for a single candidate. This form of voting gives us the chance to strengthen our democratic representation and to ensure that each vote counts.

Giving us the power to choose a list of candidates would mean that our representative may end up being someone other than our first choice. However, your other favorites could be a winner. According to a survey conducted by Gallup, 63% of U.S. adults agree that a third major party is needed.

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) – Oregon National Guard Soldiers and Airmen took part in Memorial Day services and community events around the state on Monday, pausing to remember fallen service members who have given their lives in defense of the nation.

Beaverton Mayor Lacey Beaty, an Army veteran, along with her husband, Oregon Army National Guard Maj. Ian Beaty, spoke to those in attendance about their own family experiences in uniform before introducing Oregon Army National Guard Col. Russell Gibson, 82nd Troop Command Brigade Commander, who was the Keynote speaker for the Memorial Day service at the Veterans Memorial Park in Beaverton.

“I welcome any opportunity to gather with my brothers and sisters in arms, and it is truly a gift to have the opportunity to honor those that gave the ultimate sacrifice in service to our great nation—may their memory be a blessing,” said Gibson, during his opening remarks. “Through their selfless service, they portray the values and ideals for which this country was founded.”

Gibson, who has deployed twice to combat areas of operations, spoke about those who have been lost in recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.

“I know that many of you have stories of loved ones, friends and fellow service members you hold in your memory and in your hearts,” he said. “I would also be remiss during this solemn day of reflection to not also recognize and honor those providing support from the home front. Those that paid the personal sacrifice for us and our nation—our Gold Star Families.”

U.S. Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici (Oregon 1st Congressional District) also spoke and the American Legion Post 185 Band provided patriotic music throughout the event in Beaverton. The 142nd Wing and the West Coast Ravens conducted two separate flyovers during the ceremony.

In Salem, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek and Brig. Gen. Alan Gronewold, Adjutant General of the Oregon National Guard, spoke at the Oregon World War II Memorial. Both the 142nd Wing and the 173rd Fighter Wing conducted flyovers around the state as well as in SW Washington at parades, memorial services and other gatherings.

The Memorial Day holiday can be traced back to the conclusion of the Civil War. On May 5, 1868, John A. Logan, as Commander-in-Chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, issued General Order No. 11. This order was designated May 30, 1868, “for the purpose of strewing with flowers or otherwise decorating the graves of comrades who died in defense of their country during the late rebellion.”

Since 1971, Memorial Day has been observed on the last Monday of May, marking a solemn time each year to mourn those who have died while serving in the U.S. military — while reflecting on their ultimate sacrifice to our nation.