Gov. Lolo Matalasi Moliga has congratulated Marcus Mariota for winning the prestigious Heisman Trophy, which was announced last Saturday during a ceremony held in New York City.

Mariota, whose family is from Lauli’i, is the first Samoan as well as the first Polynesian to claim the top award in college football. Born in Hawai’i, he is the quarterback for the University of Oregon football team and he received 88.4% of the first place votes.

On behalf of the people and government of American Samoa, “I wish to congratulate you on your being awarded the Heisman Trophy for your 2014 college football performance that exhibited the pursuit of excellence with integrity,” Lolo wrote in a Dec. 15 letter to Mariota, whose parents were present during the award ceremony.

Lolo said that of Mariota’s young career, “we have watched you grow and watched you carry your self with class and dignity” adding that Mariota has " excelled through hard work and dedication, but remained always humble and true to your Samoan roots.”

“You must make your parents and family very proud of who you are and what you have become,” the governor wrote. “More broadly, your achievements and your demeanor in accomplishing them, serve as an inspiration not only to the young people of... Hawai’i, but also… American Samoa.”

“I know our people could not be more proud of you, not only for your achievements on the field, but also knowing you are on schedule in earning your university degree,” Lolo pointed out. “

In closing, the governor thanked Mariota “for the wonderful example you are setting and for the uplifting way in which you are doing it. May God bless you in your future endeavors, whatever they may be.”

According to Oregon University’s website, Hawai’i Gov. David Ige personally called Mariota in New York with a congratulatory message and the next day he received a call from Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber.

Earlier this week, out-going Congressman Faleomavaega Eni sent his congratulations to Mariota. Both local and off island Samoans have also congratulated Mariota for this latest achievement in his life, with comments posted on Samoa News online ( see Samoa News edition on Dec. 15 for more details.)

After winning the Heisman, Mariota, 21, appeared Monday night on the “Late Show with David Letterman” on CBS television network, to deliver the "Top 10 thoughts that went through his mind after winning the Heisman Trophy." The Top 10 List, which is a regular part of the show, is meant to be funny.

Number 3 on the list brought laughter with a jibe by Mariota towards the two NFL teams, which are home to New York.

“I’d like to play in the NFL — does New York have any professional teams?” he said. Another funny line on the list was, “Last Heisman winner from Hawai’i [was] Don Ho.”

Mariota’s next major public appearance will be on New Year’s Day, January 1, when his team goes up against Florida State University in the Rose Bowl.