Marcus Mariota, quarterback for the Washington Commanders, has embraced his new role as a father with grace and enthusiasm. Since the birth of his daughter, Makaia Kei Mariota, on December 7, 2022, Marcus and his wife Kiyomi have shared various milestones and challenges. From announcing her birth to involving her in football games and philanthropy, they have documented their journey through social media and documentaries. Marcus highlights that the highlight of his day is coming home to hear his daughter say "dada," emphasizing how fatherhood has profoundly shaped his perspective on life.

The Arrival and Early Days of Makaia

Makaia's arrival during the football season presented unique challenges for the couple. Kiyomi candidly discussed these challenges in an NFL Netflix documentary, noting the difficulty of being far from family support. Despite the hurdles, the couple celebrated this milestone joyfully. They announced Makaia’s birth on Instagram, sharing a heartwarming family photo. The news of Kiyomi's pregnancy came as a surprise on April Fools' Day in 2021, initially making Marcus think it was a joke. However, this soon turned into excitement and planning for their future as parents.

Since her birth, Makaia has been a central part of the family's life. Her first Easter in 2023 was commemorated with matching outfits, and she was often seen attending events with her parents. The family even celebrated holidays together, such as Christmas, capturing precious moments on social media. Makaia's early days were filled with love and support, setting the foundation for her growing bond with both parents.

Growing Up with Sports and Philanthropy

As Makaia grows, she continues to share special moments with her parents, including attending her dad’s games and visiting training camp. At a Washington Commanders game, Makaia wore bright yellow Commanders gear, matching her father’s team colors. Photos captured her high-fiving players and enjoying rides on Marcus’ shoulders. She also attended a Washington Spirit game with her parents, showcasing her growing interest in sports.

Makaia is being raised with a strong emphasis on giving back. She frequently appears at events for Marcus and Kiyomi’s Motiv8 Foundation, which focuses on providing sports and healthy lifestyle programming to children. During the unveiling of a home built with Habitat for Humanity, Marcus emphasized the importance of continuing his family’s tradition of philanthropy. Makaia’s involvement in these activities from a young age reflects the values her parents instill in her. The family’s commitment to community service ensures that Makaia not only enjoys life’s milestones but also learns the importance of helping others.