MARQUETTE, Mich. – Northern Michigan University is proud to announce the retirement of Steve Mariucci's iconic No. 18 Wildcat football jersey. The news was first revealed in a surprise video message from Mariucci's lifelong friend, Hall of Fame basketball coach and fellow NMU alum Tom Izzo, which aired on NFL Network's GameDay Morning on Sunday, September 14.

Mariucci's jersey will be officially raised to the rafters of the Superior Dome on Saturday, October 11, as a highlight of NMU's 50th Anniversary Celebration honoring the Wildcats' historic 1975 National Championship team.

Further details regarding the celebration weekend (October 9-11) can be found here.



What they are saying about Steve Mariucci

"We are pleased to bestow this honor on Steve Mariucci, who has always stood proud as an alumnus of Northern Michigan University and Wildcat Football, and of course, of his Upper Peninsula hometown roots. Steve has worked incredibly hard to be successful at every level of football -- quarterbacking NMU's 1975 National Championship team, his coaching career in the collegiate and NFL ranks, and his current position as an NFL Network commentator -- all of which makes this recognition so deserving."
    - Interim President Gavin Leach

"We're proud to welcome Steve back home. His accomplishments on and off the field are a tremendous source of pride for Northern Michigan, and we couldn't be more excited to celebrate him in this way."
    - Athletic Director Rick Comley

"Coach Mariucci has been an iconic symbol of Wildcat Football. As a player that helped lead our program to a National Championship, to his own career in coaching that climbed to the top of the NFL, and his lifelong involvement & support for NMU has been nothing short of remarkable. His small-town roots resonates with many people connected to NMU today, and he has set an example that has paved the way for many others to achieve success. We are proud of this recognition and it is well-deserved."
    - Head Coach Shane Richardson


Mariucci's NMU Career

Mariucci, a standout quarterback for Northern Michigan from 1974–77, left an indelible mark on the program and on college football. He earned Associated Press Third Team All-America honors in 1976 and followed with an Honorable Mention All-America nod in 1977.

As a redshirt sophomore in 1975, Mariucci orchestrated one of the most remarkable turnarounds in college football history. After a winless 1974 campaign, he led the Wildcats to a National Championship title. That season, he passed for 1,624 yards and 13 touchdowns while adding 232 rushing yards and two more scores on the ground. His leadership powered an offense that shattered program records for total offense (3,874 yards) and passing yards (1,792), earning him team MVP honors.

In 1976, Mariucci elevated his game even further, throwing for 2,304 yards and 14 touchdowns. He finished the year ranked fifth nationally in total offense, while the Wildcats boasted the No. 1 scoring offense in the nation at 43.0 points per game. For the second straight year, he was recognized as team MVP.

Mariucci capped his career in 1977 with 1,608 passing yards and 11 touchdowns as a senior, leading the nation in total offense at 222.5 yards per game. His exceptional play secured him a third consecutive team MVP award, cementing his legacy as one of the program's all-time greats.

Nearly half a century later, Mariucci's storybook career still resonates in Northern Michigan's record books. He remains the Wildcats' all-time leader in career total offense (7,523 yards) and touchdown passes (47).

Mariucci was inducted into the Northern Michigan Sports Hall of Fame in 1988. 


Beyond Northern

After graduating, Mariucci began his coaching career at NMU in 1978 before moving on to assistant roles at Cal State Fullerton, Louisville, USC, and the Los Angeles Rams. He later returned to the Midwest as a quarterbacks coach at Wisconsin and Michigan State, continuing to build his reputation as a sharp offensive mind and teacher of the game.

In 1996, Mariucci earned his first head coaching role at the University of California, leading the Golden Bears to a bowl appearance. Just a year later, he made the leap to the NFL as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers, guiding the team to four playoff berths and an NFC West title over six seasons (1997–2002). He returned to his home state in 2003 to coach the Detroit Lions, and after his time on the sidelines concluded in 2005, he transitioned to broadcasting. Since 2006, Mariucci has been a fixture on NFL Network, where his insight, energy, and passion for the game have made him one of football's most recognizable voices.