Grizzly Sports Hall of Fame
Mariani, Marc
Marc Mariani
- Induction:
- 2023
- Class:
- 2010
Mariani, a former walk-on from Havre turned NFL All-Pro, finished his time at Montana as one of the most successful receivers and return men in school and Big Sky Conference history.
In a stellar Grizzly career, he set records for single-season receiving yards (1,479 in 2009), and career records in receiving yards (3,018), receiving touchdowns (29), yards per punt return (15.01), punt return TDs (3), kick return average (27.57) and all-purpose yards (5,441).
He also tied a school and Big Sky record for the longest punt return in league history at 94 yards and returned a kickoff 98 yards against South Dakota State in 2009 that sparked one of the greatest comebacks in college football history.
He went on to become a two-time All-American pick by The Sports Network, as well as being named an All-American his senior year by the Associated Press and the Walter Camp Foundation.
He was also a two-time first-team All-Big Sky pick, unanimously selected among the league's coaches following his senior season, and was named Big Sky Player of the Week five times in two years.
As a business marketing and management major, he was also a three-time Academic All-Big Sky selection.
In 2009 he was the co-recipient of the team's Steve Carlson MVP Award, was a two-time recipient of the Terry Dillon Award for outstanding back or receiver, and was the co-special teams player of the year as a senior.
He was later selected by the Tennessee Titans in the seventh round of the 2010 NFL Draft and went on to a six-year NFL career where he earned a place in the Pro Bowl. He set two Pro Bowl records in 2011 for number of returns and total return yards for a game. Records that still stand as of 2023.
He was also a two-time AFC Special Teams Player of the Week and was named to The Sporting News All-Rookie Team and the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2010. He finished his NFL career with 5,041 return yards and three touchdowns to go along with 27 catches for 324 yards.
In a stellar Grizzly career, he set records for single-season receiving yards (1,479 in 2009), and career records in receiving yards (3,018), receiving touchdowns (29), yards per punt return (15.01), punt return TDs (3), kick return average (27.57) and all-purpose yards (5,441).
He also tied a school and Big Sky record for the longest punt return in league history at 94 yards and returned a kickoff 98 yards against South Dakota State in 2009 that sparked one of the greatest comebacks in college football history.
He went on to become a two-time All-American pick by The Sports Network, as well as being named an All-American his senior year by the Associated Press and the Walter Camp Foundation.
He was also a two-time first-team All-Big Sky pick, unanimously selected among the league's coaches following his senior season, and was named Big Sky Player of the Week five times in two years.
As a business marketing and management major, he was also a three-time Academic All-Big Sky selection.
In 2009 he was the co-recipient of the team's Steve Carlson MVP Award, was a two-time recipient of the Terry Dillon Award for outstanding back or receiver, and was the co-special teams player of the year as a senior.
He was later selected by the Tennessee Titans in the seventh round of the 2010 NFL Draft and went on to a six-year NFL career where he earned a place in the Pro Bowl. He set two Pro Bowl records in 2011 for number of returns and total return yards for a game. Records that still stand as of 2023.
He was also a two-time AFC Special Teams Player of the Week and was named to The Sporting News All-Rookie Team and the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2010. He finished his NFL career with 5,041 return yards and three touchdowns to go along with 27 catches for 324 yards.
Week One Montana Grizzly Football Press Conference with Bobby Hauck
Monday, September 01
Week 1 Football Press Conference
Monday, September 01
Griz Volleyball Press Conference - 9/1/25
Monday, September 01
Griz Football 2025 Season Trailer
Sunday, August 31
