PHOENIX – Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota has spent most his offseason back home in Hawaii, getting his mind and body right in preparation for the 2019 season.
During Mariota's Motiv8 Foundation golf tournament and fundraiser on Monday in Honolulu, the quarterback sat down with KHON2 Sports Director Rob DeMello and discussed his mindset.
After dealing with injuries in 2018, Mariota said he's feeling much better.
"I'm getting close. It's been awesome to actually be here at home recovering. I think this has been the longest stint I've been home since high school," Mariota told KHON2. "It's good to be around people that genuinely care about you, that want you physically healthy. So, it's been a blessing to be able to work with all the people here at home and I'm definitely feeling a lot better."
In a separate interview with the Honolulu Star Advertiser, Mariota said he's looking to add some weight to help him with his injuries.
"I'm trying to get little heavier for this year," Mariota told the newspaper. "I think it would help me absorb some of the hits. Durability is the (key). I haven't been able to play a full season yet.
"I don't have a (weight) number in mind right now. If I can be a little heavier, move around and feel good, that's what I'd like. I'll have to see how I feel."
The Titans are scheduled to report for the start of the offseason program on April 15.
Mariota, heading into the final year of his contract, told KHON2 he is not concerned with any added pressure that might come with a contract year.
Mariota, the second overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, started 13 of the team's 16 games in 2018, and played in 14 of 16. Mariota finished the year with 2,528 passing yards with 11 touchdowns and eight interceptions. He set the franchise record with a completion percentage of 68.9 %.
Mariota has completed 1,015-of-1,605 passes for 12,004 yards and 69 touchdowns, with 42 interceptions in his career. His career completion percentage is 63.2 percent, and his career passer rating is 89.4
"My mentality as a competitor never changes. I'm going to do my best to be at my best when the season comes and do my best to win games. All that other stuff will take care of itself," Mariota told DeMello.
"Obviously I love Nashville, I love Tennessee. It's a great organization to play for. With that being said, it's a business and you can't take any of that stuff personal. You just got to go out there and do your thing. No matter what, my number one goal is to get healthy and from there just become a better football player and do my best to be my best when the season comes so we can win games."
