NASHVILLE, Tenn. –When Marcus Mariota stepped on the stage at New York's Best Buy Theater last December to accept the Heisman Trophy, he joined what is arguably one of the most exclusive clubs in all of sports – those who have hoisted the iconic 45-pound trophy.
Today, Mariota walked across another stage to receive a heavier piece of hardware, a new 2015 Nissan Armada SUV. The event, held at Nissan North America's headquarters, about 15 miles south of the newly named Nissan Stadium where he'll play home games as a professional, commemorated Mariota's acceptance into the "Heisman House," Nissan's fictional fraternity for former Heisman winners.
As part of the Heisman House campaign, Mariota joins 13 other former Heisman winners, in a series of broadcast and social media vignettes set to air throughout the upcoming college football season. The first featuring Mariota are scheduled to air beginning Thursday, Sept. 3.
"On behalf of all Nissan employees, we are pleased to welcome you, Marcus, to the Heisman House. We hear you more than held your own against some of the Heisman veterans during the production of the spots," said Fred Diaz, senior vice president, Sales & Marketing and Operations, U.S.A., Nissan North America, Inc., at the presentation. "We also want to extend a heartfelt welcome to Nashville and to our Nissan family. Your new Armada will look right at home parked at Nissan Stadium."
Tennessee Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota speaks to Nissan employees to announce his joining the Heisman House.
Now entering its fifth year, the popular Heisman House marketing campaign features a series of video vignettes, a traveling college campus/stadium tour and social media elements, including the opportunity for fans to vote online for their favorite Heisman Trophy candidates. In 2014 Nissan's official crowed-sourced vote, with more than 400,000 participants, went to Mariota.
The first Heisman House college tour stop is Saturday, Sept. 12 at the Michigan – Oregon State game in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
Nissan's relationship with the Heisman Trophy Trust began in 2006. In the company's role as a premier partner, Nissan supports the Trust's charitable activities and mission of service to our youth, especially those disadvantaged or afflicted.
Mariota recently signed a contract with the Tennessee Titans. He received 90.9 percent of the total possible points in the Heisman vote, the second highest all time. He also led Oregon to the National Championship game against Ohio State. Mariota complied a career 36-5 record at Oregon and was the second player selected in the 2015 NFL draft.
For information about the complete lineup of 2015 Nissan vehicles, please visit www.NissanUSA.com.
About Nissan North America
In North America, Nissan's operations include automotive styling, engineering, consumer and corporate financing, sales and marketing, distribution and manufacturing. Nissan is dedicated to improving the environment under the Nissan Green Program and has been recognized annually by the U.S Environmental Protection Agency as an ENERGY STAR® Partner of the Year since 2010. More information on Nissan in North America and the complete line of Nissan and Infiniti vehicles can be found online at www.NissanUSA.com and www.InfinitiUSA.com, or visit the U.S. media sites NissanNews.com and InfinitiNews.com.
About Nissan
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., Japan's second-largest automotive company, is headquartered in Yokohama, Japan, and is part of the Renault-Nissan Alliance. Operating with more than 247,500 employees globally, Nissan sold 5.32 million vehicles and generated revenue of 11.38 trillion yen (USD 103.6 billion) in fiscal year 2014. Nissan delivers a comprehensive range of more than 60 models under the Nissan, Infiniti and Datsun brands. Nissan leads the world in zero-emission mobility, dominated by sales of the LEAF, the first mass-market, pure-electric vehicle. It is the best-selling EV in history with almost 50% share of the zero-emission vehicle segment. For more information on our products, services and commitment to sustainable mobility, visit our website at http://www.nissan-global.com/EN/.
About the Heisman Trophy Trust
The Heisman Memorial Trophy annually recognizes the outstanding college football player whose performance best exhibits the pursuit of excellence with integrity. Winners epitomize great ability combined with diligence, perseverance, and hard work. The Heisman Trophy Trust ensures the continuation and integrity of this award. The Trust, furthermore, has a charitable mission to support amateur athletics and to provide greater opportunities to the youth of our country. Our goal through these charitable endeavors is for the Heisman Trophy to symbolize the fostering of a sense of community responsibility and service to our youth, especially those disadvantaged or afflicted.
