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Dan Marino net worth: How does Dolphins legend's rookie contract compare to modern day star QBs?

Dan Marino's net worth is a product of being one of the greatest NFL quarterbacks of his generation. He set several passing records during his time with the Miami Dolphins and helped them reach the NFL Playoffs almost every year. The only negative thing to say about his career is that he's considered by most around the NFL to be the best quarterback ever to not win a Super Bowl ring.

Marino's consistent dominance earned him a ton of money during his career, including through team contracts and endorsements. He was one of the highest-paid quarterbacks of his era, earning through his performances on the football field. He is currently a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, validating his accomplishments.

Dan Marino's net worth: Contract earnings

Miami Dolphins HOF QB Dan Marino
Miami Dolphins HOF QB Dan Marino

Dan Marino's net worth is currently estimated at around $50 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. He earned $51.51 million in total contract earnings during his 17-year career with the Miami Dolphins. He also spent time as an NFL broadcaster and an actor. He famously appeared in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective in a hilarious cameo, among other projects.

Marino used his extensive earnings to invest in several businesses and real estate, including developing some of his own and becoming a restauranteur. Exceeding $50 million in career earnings was massive for NFL players at the time, granting him many opportunities following his playing career.

Dan Marino net worth: How do his contract earnings compare to NFL QBs in 2022?

Miami Dolphins HOF QB Dan Marino
Miami Dolphins HOF QB Dan Marino

Dan Marino averaged just $250,000 during his first three years with the Miami Dolphins, as per his rookie contract.

Kenny Pickett, the only rookie quarterback drafted in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, will make more than $8 million this season. The average rookie quarterback will make $2.5 million, ten times as much as Marino's 1983 rookie season.

While Dan Marino's career contract of $50 million was impressive for his generation, it doesn't even compare to what the top quarterbacks will earn in 2022. Aaron Rodgers is the highest-paid quarterback in the 2022 NFL season, with more than $50 million in AAV. This means Rodgers earns in one year what Marino earned in his entire 17-year career.

Marino's highest-paid contract year was during the 1996 NFL season when he made $9.21 million.

Matthew Stafford is earning an insane $61.5 million for the 2022 NFL season, as per his front-loaded contract extension. Marino's top salary would be just the 20th highest in 2022. He would rank in between Jimmy Garoppolo and Mitchell Trubisky.

Dan Marino's net worth may have been impressive for his era, but 23 years since his retirement, quarterbacks have entered a different stratosphere for contract earnings and relative financial value.

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