Looking back at Dan Marino’s NFL career
Dan Marino is known as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history who never won a Super Bowl. While that's definitely a true statement, the former Miami Dolphins star is one of the finest QBs period.
After a terrific college career at Pittsburgh, Marino was selected by the Dolphins with the 27th overall pick in the 1983 NFL Draft. That was the well-known draft that also produced fellow Hall of Fame quarterbacks John Elway (first overall pick) and Jim Kelly (14th overall).
As a rookie, Marino started nine games for the Dolphins, throwing for 2,210 yards, 20 touchdowns and six interceptions. The Dolphins went 7-2 with him under center.
The following season (1984) was easily one of the best in NFL history. Marino became the first player to ever reach 5,000 passing yards and amass more than 40 touchdown passes in a season. The Pittsburgh alumni produced a career-high 5,084 passing yards, 48 touchdowns and 17 interceptions as the Dolphins finished with a 14-2 record.
At 22 years old, in 1984, Dan Marino became the first NFL QB to throw for 5,000 yards in a season (5,084). https://t.co/pfS1icT4qZ
Marino was named the regular-season MVP and led Miami to Super Bowl XIX, where they fell to Joe Montana and the San Francisco 49ers 38-16. It would end up being the lone Super Bowl appearance of Marino's career.
In 1985, Marino powered the Dolphins to a 12-4 record, recording 4,137 passing yards, 30 touchdowns and 21 interceptions.
He spent his entire 17-year career with Miami, retiring following the 1999 season. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2005.
Without a doubt, Dan Marino is one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time
Dan Marino set a bunch of records throughout his legendary career. When he retired in March 2000, he was the NFL's all-time leader in touchdown passes (420), yardage (61, 361) as well as attempts (8,358).
His 1984 stats of 5,084 passing yards and 48 touchdowns were simply amazing. It took 27 years until Drew Brees broke the passing yard record, while Peyton Manning surpassed the touchdown record (49) in 2004.
Dan Marino was the first to set an NFL Record with 5,084 yards passing in 1984.
Marino's record remained intact a long time until Payton Manning recorded 5,477 passing yards in 2013.
Drew Brees recorded 5,476 passing yards in 2011, missin Manning by one yard. ONE!
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Marino won a MVP award and was named a Pro Bowler nine times. He also led the league in passing yards five times and passing touchdowns three times.
When it comes to the "greatest quarterback of all time" debate, you're sure to find names like Tom Brady, Joe Montana and Peyton Manning. Dan Marino isn't usually included since he never won a Super Bowl. However, he needs to get more love in the G.O.A.T. conversation.