As the NFL gets more exposure on UK television and Wembley now hosting 3 games this year, the sport has never been more popular with British fans. With the 2015 / 2016 season kicking off in the home of the defending champions, New England last night, we take a look back at Marcus Mariota’s feature in the Nike Inner Strength series that they have ran over the past few months.

Hawaiian born Mariota was sensational for Oregon at college level and was eventually chosen second by the Tennessee Titans in the NFL Draft a few months ago, only behind Jameis Winston. Both players won the Heismann Trophy in consecutive years showing their skill at college level which chose them to be selected at #1 and #2 in the 2015 Draft. Mariota’s burst of speed and handling of the ball was as impressive as anyone’s at college level, leading some to believe at one stage that his old coach Chip Kellymight be prepared to sacrifice a lot and trade up to get him for the Philadelphia Eagles. That trade proved too much of a reach for the Eagles and Mariota ended up in Tennessee where he interestingly goes head to head with Winston at Tampa Bay on Sunday.

In preparation for the NFL Draft, Mariota said the following when interviewed by Nike:

“My training is focused on just taking it one day at a time and finding new ways to improve myself – physically and mentally. By observing the weaknesses that I have, and working hard on those in training to make those into strengths, I give myself the best opportunity to succeed,” said Mariota.

Nike trainer Ryan Flaherty works closely with Mariota to transition him into the best athlete that he could be at professional level. Flaherty has a reputation for working with elite athletes and developing them to their best potential.

Back in April we wrote a piece about Nike signing Mariota along with a number of other college level players with huge potential. You can read all about it here -> Mariota Signs for Nike. Alternatively, you can read more about the athletes featured in the Nike Inner Strength series over on their website