Marcus Mariota shocked the NFL by choosing the No. 0 jersey as a reminder to his critics that he can still succeed, despite doubters. He initially considered reclaiming his college number No. 8, but deferred to his teammate Brian Robinson Jr. instead.

Mariota has worn different jersey numbers throughout his career, including No. 8 with the Tennessee Titans and Philadelphia Eagles, and No. 1 with the Atlanta Falcons. Now, as a veteran with the Washington Commanders, he uses No. 0 as motivation to prove naysayers wrong.