Heisman winner Mariota heading for NFL

ASSOCIATED PRESS

Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota, whose bold moves and leadership on the field brought the Ducks to the brink of a national championship before falling short, is leaving Oregon early for the NFL.

Mariota announced his long-awaited decision to forgo his senior season on Oregon’s website. The team said he filed paperwork on Wednesday, a day before the NFL deadline.

“I will miss being with my teammates,” he said in a statement. “Being a part of this team was something special that I will always treasure.”

Mariota has been the humble leader of Oregon’s high-flyi...