Marcus Mariota Wins 2014 Heisman Award

"The Heisman Memorial Trophy Award (usually known colloquially as the Heisman Trophy or The Heisman), is awarded annually to the most outstanding player in college football in the United States whose performance best exhibits the pursuit of excellence with integrity. Winners epitomize great ability combined with diligence, perseverance, and hard work." - Wikipedia.

(Photo: Alex Goodlett, Getty Images)

I had just watched the 2014 announcement on ESPN of the highly coveted award which Mariota was favored to win. He did. He seems a very nice young man. Though born and raised in Hawaii, he is still true to his Samoan roots. At the end of his acceptance speech he said "Faafetai Tele Lava". During the post interview, he was asked by the ESPN representative about some Hawaiian phrase he included in his speech and Mariota said "... it was Samoan 'Faafetai tele lava' which means 'Thank you very much' ". Thank you Marcus! And with due credit and acknowledgement to your parents and family. You're a fine ambassador and role model for Samoan and Poly athletes everywhere. Wishing you the best of luck.