QB / QB

Dan Marino

Class of 2005

3,000-yard seasons

13

Passing yards

61,361

Pro Bowls

9

Seasons

17

TDs

420

Enshrinement Speech

Career Highlights

Pro Football Hall of Famer Dan Marino wearing number 13 for the Miami Dolphins throwing a pass

The Miami Dolphins, much to their surprise at the time, found University of Pittsburgh quarterback Dan Marino still available when it came time to make their first selection in the 1983 NFL Draft. Five other quarterbacks, including eventual Hall of Famers John Elway (first) and Jim Kelly (14th), had been taken before the Dolphins grabbed Marino with the 27th overall pick.

It wouldn’t take long for the 22-year-old rookie to take over as the team’s starting quarterback. By the end of the 1983 season, Marino led the AFC in passer rating (96.0) and guided the Dolphins the AFC East Division crown.

In 1984, Marino was named the league’s Most Valuable Player after setting NFL single-season records for passing yards (5,084) and touchdown passes (48). Marino’s 48 touchdown passes shattered the previous record of 36, held by fellow Hall of Famers George Blanda in the AFL (1961) and Y.A. Tittle in the NFL (1963). The Dolphins finished the regular season 14-2 and won the AFC Championship Game after Marino’s 421-yard, four-touchdown performance toppled the Pittsburgh Steelers, 45-28.

In Super Bowl XIX, the Dolphins fell to the San Francisco 49ers, 38-16. Joe Montana threw for a Super Bowl-record 331 yards, followed closely by Marino’s 318, which tied Terry Bradshaw for the second most in history. Marino’s 29 completions set a then-Super Bowl record. Despite a red-hot start to his career, he never returned to the Super Bowl stage.

What he did do was launch a 17-year assault on the NFL record books. By the time of his retirement, Marino had completed more passes (4,967), for more yards (61,361) and more touchdowns (420) than any player in NFL history. He led the league in passing yards five times (1984-86, 1988 and 1992) and in quarterback sack-percentage 10 times (1983-89, 1994, 1997 and 1999). His 47 career game-winning drives broke the record of 38 held by Johnny Unitas.

In all, Marino was selected to nine Pro Bowls and was named an All-Pro selection by the Associated Press six times (first team in 1984-86 and second team in 1983, 1994-95). He is a member of the NFL 100 All-Time Team.

Year Team
G
Att
Comp
Yards
TD
Int
Rating
Att
Yds
Avg
TD
Fum
1983 Miami
11
296
173
2210
20
6
96
28
45
1.6
2
5
1984 Miami
16
564
362
5084
48
17
108.9
28
-7
-0.3
0
6
1985 Miami
16
567
336
4137
30
21
84.1
26
-24
-0.9
0
9
1986 Miami
16
623
378
4746
44
23
92.5
12
-3
-0.3
0
8
1987 Miami
12
444
263
3245
26
13
89.2
12
-5
-0.4
1
5
1988 Miami
16
606
354
4434
28
23
80.8
20
-17
-0.8
0
10
1989 Miami
16
550
308
3997
24
22
76.9
14
-7
-0.5
2
7
1990 Miami
16
531
306
3563
21
11
82.6
16
29
1.8
0
3
1991 Miami
16
549
318
3970
25
13
85.8
27
32
1.2
1
6
1992 Miami
16
554
330
4116
24
16
85.1
20
66
3.3
0
5
1993 Miami
5
150
91
1218
8
3
95.9
9
-4
-0.4
1
4
1994 Miami
16
615
385
4453
30
17
89.2
22
-6
-0.3
1
9
1995 Miami
14
482
309
3668
24
15
90.8
11
14
1.3
0
7
1996 Miami
13
373
221
2795
17
9
87.8
11
-3
-0.3
0
4
1997 Miami
16
548
319
3780
16
11
80.7
18
-14
-0.8
0
8
1998 Miami
16
537
310
3497
23
15
80
21
-3
-0.1
1
9
1999 Miami
11
369
204
2448
12
17
67.4
6
-6
-1.0
0
5
Career Total
242
8358
4967
61,361
420
252
86.4
301
87
0.3
9
110
 
Additional Career Statistics: Receiving: 1-(minus 6)

Championship Games


1984 AFC - Miami Dolphins 45, Pittsburgh Steelers 28
Marino started at quarterback. He completed 21 of 32 passes for 421 yards, four touchdowns and one interception.

1985 AFC - New England Patriots 31, Miami Dolphins 14
Marino started at quarterback. He completed 20 of 48 passes for 248 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions. He also rushed once for no yards.

1992 AFC - Buffalo Bills 29, Miami Dolphins 10
Marino started at quarterback. He completed 22 of 45 passes for 268 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. He also rushed one for minus-two yards.

 

Super Bowls

Super Bowl XIX - San Francisco 49ers 38, Miami Dolphins 16
Marino started at quarterback. He completed 29 of 50 passes for 318 yards, 1 touchdown and two interceptions. 


 


All-Pro: 1984 (AP, PFWA, NEA, SN, PW); 1985 (AP, PFWA, SN); 1986 (AP, PFWA, SN, PW)

All-Pro Second Team: 1983 (AP); 1985 (NEA); 1986 (NEA); 1988 (NEA); 1992 (NEA); 1994 (AP); 1995 (AP)

All-AFC: 1983 (UPI, PW); 1984 (UPI, PW); 1985 (UPI); 1986 (UPI, PW); 1992 (UPI, PW); 1994 (UPI, PW)

All-AFC Second Team: 1995 (UPI)

(9) - 1984*, 1985, 1986*, 1987*, 1988*, 1992*, 1993, 1995*, 1996*

* Did not play

In the NFL Record Book (at time of his retirement following 1999 season)

[1st] Highest Passer Rating, Rookie Season - 96.0 (1983)
[1st] Most Seasons Leading League, Pass Attempts - 5 (1984, 1986, 1988, 1992, 1997)
[1st] Most Passes Attempted, Career - 8,358
[1st] Most Seasons Leading League, Pass Completions - 6 (1984, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1992, 1997)
[1st] Most Passes Completed, Career - 4,967
[1st] Highest Pass Completion Percentage, Rookie Season - 58.45 (1983)
[1st] Most Yards Gained Passing, Career - 61,361
[1st] Most Seasons 3,000 or More Yards Passing - 13
[1st] Most Yards Gained Passing, Season - 5,084 (1984)
[1st] Most Games, 400 or More Yards Passing, Career - 13
[1st] Most Games, 400 or More Yards Passing, Season - 4 (1984)
[1st] Most Games, 300 or More Yards Passing, Career - 63
[1st] Most Touchdown Passes, Career - 420
[1st] Most Touchdown Passes, Season - 48 (1984)
[1st] Most Games, Four or More Touchdown Passes, Career - 21
[1st] Most Games, Four or More Touchdown Passes, Season - 6 (1984)
[1st] Most Consecutive Games, Four or More Touchdown Passes - 4 (1984)
[Tied for 1st] Most Seasons Leading League, Passing Yards - 5 (1984, 1985, 1986, 1988, 1992)
[Tied for 1st] Most Consecutive Games, 400 or More Yards Passing - 2 (1984)
[Tied for 1st] Most Games, 300 or More Yards Passing, Season - 9 (1984)
[Tied for 1st] Most Consecutive Seasons Leading League, Pass Completions - 3 (1984-1986)
[2nd] Most Consecutive Seasons Leading League, Passing Yards - 3 (1984-1986)
[2nd] Most Games, 400 or More Yards Passing, Season - 3 (1986)
[2nd] Most Touchdown Passes, Season - 44 (1986)
[2nd] Most Consecutive Games With a Touchdown Pass - 30 (1985-1987)
[2nd] Lowest Percentage, Passes Intercepted, Rookie Season - 2.03 (1983)
[Tied for 2nd] Most Seasons Leading League, Passing Touchdowns - 3 (1984, 1985, 1986)
[Tied for 2nd] Most Consecutive Seasons Leading League, Passing Touchdowns - 3 (1984-1986)
[Tied for 2nd] Most Games, Four or More Touchdown Passes, Season - 5 (1986)
[Tied for 2nd] Most Fumbles Recovered, Season, Own and Opponents - 8 {7 own, 1 opp} (1988)
[3rd] Most Passes Completed, Season - 385 (1994)
[3rd] Most Yards Gained Passing, Season - 4,746 (1986)
[3rd] Most Touchdown Passes, Rookie Season - 20 (1983)

Super Bowl Records

[2nd] Most Pass Completions, Game - 29 (SB XIX, vs. San Francisco)
[Tied for 2nd] Most Pass Attempts, Game - 50 (SB XIX, vs. San Francisco)


Post-Season Records

[1st] Most Consecutive Games With Touchdown Pass - 13 (1983-1995)
[2nd] Most Pass Attempts, Career - 687
[2nd] Most Passes Completed, Career - 385
[2nd] Most Touchdown Passes, Career - 32
[Tied for 2nd] Most Pass Attempts, Game - 64 (vs. Buffalo, Dec. 30, 1995)
[Tied for 2nd] Most Passes Completed, Game - 33 (vs. Buffalo, Dec. 30, 1995)
[3rd] Most Yards Gained, Career - 4,510
[3rd] Highest Average Gain Passing, Game - 13.16 (vs. Pittsburgh, Jan. 6, 1985)
[3rd] Most Passes Intercepted, Career - 24
[Tied for 3rd] Most Games, 300 or More Yards Passing, Career - 4
[Tied for 3rd] Most Consecutive Games, 300 or More Yards Passing - 2 (1984)
[Tied for 3rd] Most Touchdown Passes, Game - 4 (vs. Pittsburgh, Jan. 6, 1985)


 

Dolphins' records held by Marino at the time of his retirement following the 1999 season

[1st] Most Seasons - 17
[1st] Most Games Played, Career - 242
[1st] Most Games Started, Career - 240
[1st] Most Pro Bowls - 9
[1st] Most Pro Bowl Starts - 7
[1st] Most Yards Passing, Career - 61,361
[1st] Most Yards Passing, Season - 5,084 (1984)
[1st] Most Yards Passing, Game - 521 (vs. N.Y. Jets, Oct. 23, 1988)
[1st] Most Yards Passing as a Rookie, Season - 2,210 (1983)
[1st] Most Yards Passing as a Rookie, Game - 322 (vs. Buffalo, Oct. 9, 1983)
[1st] Most Passes Attempted, Career - 8,358
[1st] Most Passes Attempted, Season - 623 (1986)
[1st] Most Passes Attempted, Game - 64 (at Buffalo, Dec. 30, 1995 playoff)
[1st] Most Passes Completed, Career - 4,967
[1st] Most Passes Completed, Season - 385 (1994)
[1st] Most Passes Completed, Game - 39 (at Buffalo, Nov. 16, 1986)
[1st] Most Completions as a Rookie, Game - 25 (vs. L.A. Rams, Oct. 30, 1983)
[1st] Most Consecutive Pass Completions - 15 (Nov. 8, 1992 at Indianapolis through Nov. 16, 1992 vs. Buffalo)
[1st] Most Touchdown Passes, Career - 420
[1st] Most Touchdown Passes, Season - 48 (1984)
[1st] Most Touchdown Passes as a Rookie, Season - 20 (1983)
[1st] Most Consecutive Games With a Touchdown Pass - 30 (1985-1987)
[1st] Most Passes Intercepted, Career - 252
[1st] Most Passes Intercepted, Season - 23 (1986, 1988)
[1st] Most Consecutive Attempts Without Pass Interception - 156 (1997)
[1st] Lowest Interception Rate, Career - 3.02
[1st] Highest Completion Percentage, Career - 59.4
[1st] Highest Completion Percentage, Season - 64.2 (1984)
[1st] Highest Completion Percentage As A Rookie - 58.4
[1st] Highest Passer Rating, Career - 86.4
[1st] Highest Passer Rating, Season - 108.9 (1984)
[1st] Highest Passer Rating By A Rookie, Season - 96.0 (1983)
[1st] Most Passes Attempted, Game - 60 (vs. N.Y. Jets, Oct. 23, 1988; at New England, Nov. 23, 1997)
[1st] Most Consecutive 300-Yard Passing Games - 3 (1984, 1988, 1994, 1998)
[1st] Most 300 Yard Passing Games, Career - 63
[1st] Most 300 Yard Passing Games, Season - 9 (1984)
[Tied for 1st] Most Touchdown Passes, Game - 6 (at N.Y. Jets, Sept. 21, 1986)

[Tied for 1st] Most Touchdown Passes as a Rookie, Game - 3 (vs. Buffalo, Oct. 9, 1983; at N.Y. Jets, Oct. 16, 1983; vs. Cincinnati, Nov. 28, 1983)
[Tied for 1st] Most Passes Intercepted, Game - 5 (vs. N.Y. Jets, Oct. 23, 1988; at, Dallas, Nov. 25, 1999)
[Tied for 1st] Most Consecutive Games Without Interception - 4 (1997)
[2nd] Most Yards Passing, Season - 4,746 (1986)
[2nd] Most Yards Passing, Game - 473 (vs. New England, Sept. 4, 1994)
[2nd] Most Yards Passing as a Rookie, Game - 279 (vs. L.A. Rams, Oct. 30, 1983)
[2nd] Most Passes Attempted, Game - 57 (vs. L.A. Raiders, Dec. 2, 1984; vs. N.Y. Jets, Oct. 13, 1998)
[2nd] Most Passes Attempted, Season - 615 (1994)
[2nd] Most Passes Completed, Season - 378 (1986)
[2nd] Most Passes Completed, Game - 38 (at New England, Nov. 23, 1997)
[2nd] Most Completions as a Rookie, Season - 173 (1983)
[2nd] Most Consecutive Pass Completions - 14 (Nov. 17, 1996 at Houston through Nov. 25, 1996 vs. Pittsburgh)
[2nd] Most Touchdown Passes, Season - 44 (1986)
[2nd] Most Touchdown Passes, Game - 5 (at Washington, Sept. 2, 1984; at Green Bay, Dec. 8, 1984; at L.A. Rams, Dec. 14, 1986; at N.Y. Jets, Nov. 27, 1988; vs. New England, Sept. 4, 1994)
[2nd] Most Passes Intercepted, Season - 22 (1989)
[2nd] Lowest Interception Rate, Season - 2.00 (1993)
[2nd] Highest Completion Percentage, Season - 64.1 (1995)
[2nd] Highest Average Gain Passing, Game - 11.92 (vs. St. Louis, Sept. 30, 1984)
[2nd] Highest Passer Rating, Season - 96.0 (1983)
[2nd] Highest Average Gain Passing, Career - 7.34
[2nd] Highest Average Gain Passing, Season - 9.01 (1984)
[2nd] Most 300 Yard Passing Games, Season - 6 (1985, 1986, 1988)
[2nd] Longest Pass Plays - 85 (to Mark Duper, vs. Baltimore, Nov. 20, 1983; to Mark Duper, vs. Houston, Nov. 2, 1986)
[Tied for 2nd] Most Consecutive Pro Bowl Starts - 4
[3rd] Most Consecutive Starts - 95
[3rd] Most Yards Passing, Season - 4,453 (1994)
[3rd] Most Yards Passing, Game - 470 (vs. L.A. Raiders, Dec. 2, 1984)
[3rd] Most Passes Attempted, Season - 606 (1988)
[3rd] Most Passes Attempted as a Rookie, Season - 296 (1983)
[3rd] Most Passes Completed, Season - 362 (1984)
[3rd] Most Passes Completed, Game - 35 (vs. L.A. Raiders, Dec. 2, 1984; vs. N.Y. Jets, Oct. 23, 1988; vs. Atlanta, Dec. 3, 1995)
[3rd] Most Touchdown Passes, Season - 30 (1985, 1994)
[3rd] Most Passes Intercepted, Season - 21 (1985)
[3rd] Lowest Interception Rate, Season - 2.01 (1997)
[3rd] Highest Passer Rating, Season - 95.9
[3rd] Most 300 Yard Passing Games, Season - 5 (1989, 1994)
[3rd] Highest Average Gain Passing, Game - 11.43 (vs. Baltimore, Nov. 20, 1983)
[Tied for 3rd] Most Consecutive Pro Bowls - 5 (1983-1987)
[Tied for 3rd] Most Passes Attempted, Game - 55 (vs. N.Y. Jets, Sept. 24, 1989)
[Tied for 3rd] Most Consecutive Pass Completions - 13 (vs. Indianapolis, Nov. 10, 1996)
[Tied for 3rd] Longest Pass Plays - 80 (to Mark Duper, vs. Indianapolis, Sept. 23, 1984; to Ferrell Edmunds at N.Y. Jets, Nov. 27, 1988; to Tony Martin, vs. Washington, Oct. 4, 1993)

Post-Season Records

[1st] Most Yards Passing, Career - 4,510
[1st] Most Yards Passing, Game - 422 (at Buffalo, Dec. 30, 1995)
[1st] Most Pass Attempts, Career - 687
[1st] Most Pass Attempts, Game - 64 (at Buffalo, Dec. 30, 1995)
[1st] Most Pass Completions, Career - 385
[1st] Most Pass Completions, Game - 33 (vs. Pittsburgh, Jan. 6, 1985)
[1st] Most Touchdown Passes, Career - 32
[1st] Most Passes Intercepted, Career - 24
[1st] Highest Completion Percentage, Career - 56.0
[1st] Most 300-Yard Passing Games - 4
[1st] Most Fumbles, Career - 8
[1st] Most Own Fumbles Recovered - 3
[Tied for 1st] Most Touchdown Passes, Game - 4 (vs. Pittsburgh, Jan. 6, 1985)
[Tied for 1st] Most Passes Intercepted, Game - 3 (at Buffalo, Dec. 30, 1995)
[2nd] Most Post-Season Games, Career - 18
[2nd] Most Post-Season Game Starts - 18
[2nd] Most Yards Passing, Game - 421 (vs. Pittsburgh, Jan. 6, 1985)
[2nd] Most Pass Attempts, Game - 50 (vs. San Francisco, Jan. 20, 1985)
[2nd] Most Consecutive Pass Completions - 11 (1991)
[Tied for 2nd] Most Completions, Game - 29 (vs. San Francisco, Jan. 20, 1985)

NFL Statistical Championships
Passing Titles: 1984
Passing Touchdown Leader: 1984, 1985, 1986,

AFC Statistical Championships
Passing Titles: 1983, 1984, 1986, 1994
Passing Touchdown Leader: 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1992, 1994

Team Statistical Championships
Passing Titles: 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999
Passing Touchdown Leader: 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999

1983 Rookie of the Year (SN)
1984 Most Valuable Player/Player of the Year (PFWA, AP, NEA, SN, MX)
1984 Offensive Most Valuable Player/Player of the Year (AP, PW)
1994 Comeback Player of the Year (PW)
1994 AFC Offensive Most Valuable Player/Player of the Year (UPI)

 

Year Team
W
L
T
Division Finish
1983 Miami Dolphins
12
4
0
(1st)
1984 Miami Dolphins
14
2
0
(1st)
1985 Miami Dolphins
12
4
0
(1st)
1986 Miami Dolphins
8
8
0
(3rd)
1987 Miami Dolphins
8
7
0
(3rd)
1988 Miami Dolphins
6
10
0
(5th)
1989 Miami Dolphins
8
8
0
(3rd)
1990 Miami Dolphins
12
4
0
(2nd)
1991 Miami Dolphins
8
8
0
(3rd)
1992 Miami Dolphins
11
5
0
(1st)
1993 Miami Dolphins
9
7
0
(2nd)
1994 Miami Dolphins
10
6
0
(1st)
1995 Miami Dolphins
9
7
0
(3rd)
1996 Miami Dolphins
8
8
0
(4th)
1997 Miami Dolphins
9
7
0
(2nd)
1998 Miami Dolphins
10
6
0
(2nd)
1999 Miami Dolphins
9
7
0
(3rd)


 


 

Full Name: Daniel Constantine Marino, Jr.

Birthdate: September 15, 1961

Birthplace: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

High School: Central Catholic (Pittsburgh, PA)

Elected to Pro Football Hall of Fame: February 5, 2005

Enshrined into Pro Football Hall of Fame: August 7, 2005

Presenter: Daniel Marino, Dan's son

Other Members of the Class of 2005: Benny FriedmanFritz PollardSteve Young

Pro Career: 17 Seasons, 242 Games

Drafted: 1st Round (27th player overall) in 1983 by Miami Dolphins

Uniform Number: #13

Pro Football Hall of Fame Field at Fawcett Stadium
August 7, 2005

 

Daniel Marino:
Good afternoon. I've always felt that I was truly blessed in so many ways. But, most importantly, in the way that no one could ask for better examples of people than my parents. There's never been a situation that they didn't know how to approach or how to act in. They've always treated people with so much compassion and are so grateful for everything in their lives. I think that all five of my brothers and sisters would agree that we were all so lucky to be raised by such wonderful people.

My father has made a lot of smart decisions on the field but I believe his smartest decision he's ever made was one he made off the field. He chose my mom. Together, they have shaped me and my family in such a meaningful and positive way. And, so rarely do you find parents so willing to give you everything in return only their children's happiness. My parents will belong in me and my siblings' personal Hall of Fame always for that.

I'm often asked the question, 'are you a football player?' or 'does your dad want you to play football or sports?' It may seem to many people that that would be appropriate but my father has always supported me in whatever I chose to do. Whether I was performing, whether Joey was golfing, whether Allie was horse riding, whether Michael was deejaying. As, I'm sure he support Niki and Lia in whatever passion they choose to pursue.

My father's friends have always said to me repeatedly how proud he is of his children. They tell me that he can't seem to stop talking about us. My father only asks us to work hard at what we do. It seems odd to me that such a modest request can make my father so happy. But, our passion for something seems to make him as eager and as happy as if he was waiting to go on the field. For this, me and my siblings are all so very fortunate.

Perhaps this can shed some light on the man off the field – the family man who has always been a loving father. My father played quarterback for the Miami Dolphins from the years 1983 to 1999. I don't claim to be the biggest football fan in my household. Aside from my dad, my brothers Joey and Michael have that honor. Growing up watching my dad was difficult with a pre-teen attention span and even tougher with a pre-school attention span. However, from that time I will never forget the scars on my arms from my mom's fingernails when she squeezed them for dear life watching my dad on the field. But now that I'm older I can appreciate more what my father did.

And, I sometimes watch my father's old games on tape and I can't put into words the experience of watching your father when he was young win a game. When he yells, when he skips off the field, hugs his teammates and his coach, a look of competitive accomplishment on his face. That look always made him stand out for me a little on the field. I don't think my father was ever out of the game. If you watch him from the sideline, he watches every play with intensity. Eager when the defense is keeping the opposing team from getting down the field. And, if the Dolphins had a bad play, the cameras would have to cut away for the family audiences.

My father is the most passionately competitive person I know. If there's one thing you can say about my father is that his competitive spirit matches his ability as a player.

In the same way that my grandfather is my father's hero, my father has always been my hero, and in the same way, I hope my children will look up to me one day. But, it would be selfish of me to say that I'm the only one who looks upon my father as a hero. My father has given so much to the community he lives in. The time he has spent with the sick and terminally ill children; the Dan Marino Children's Hospital, founded for children with neurological disorders; the Dan Marino Foundation that has worked with children's charities in South Florida have, I'm sure, all earned him the status of hero with many other people. Both my parents have given so much time to helping the community in which they live. And my father's hand reaches far beyond the community he lives in as well.

My father was always committed to his team and his teammates. Even if my father scored four touchdowns and failed to win, it was always to him, a lost game. The Miami Dolphins were and still are my dad's team. More than that, they are in a way his extended family. My father's seventeen years was spent with one franchise, the franchise he loved. And that seems to be so rare in professional sports today, I thought it was worth mentioning.

I always felt that talent if nothing else is something that you don't have control over. My father was very lucky in that department. But, it's what you do with your talent that counts. My father, when he played, worked his hardest and always played to the best of his abilities. I think that's all a coach could ask of a player, and furthermore all you could ask of a person.

One thing, when I started writing this speech which I realized was that you have to start thinking very hard about how you feel about your father. And, I realized how completely unselfish my father's life has been. His induction into the Hall of Fame is recognition of his abilities and career on the field. But, I personally feel, it is also in recognition of father's life in many ways. A life that was never about him but about his team, his fans, his community, his friends, and his family.

I'd like to introduce to you my father, my hero, and my friend. Ladies and gentlemen, Dan Marino.


Dan Marino:
Thank you. Thank you so much. Thank you so much. Dano. I'm so proud of you, son. Thank you.

He did a great job. He literally wouldn't let Claire or I know what he was going to say. Thank you, son. I'm very proud.

I want to thank and congratulate the families of NFL pioneers Benny Friedman, Fritz Pollard and I enjoyed being with you this weekend, the families. Steve Young, congratulations on your induction. I've always admired your style of play. It's an honor to be in the Class of 2005.

To Jim and Jill Kelly, they've been friends a lot of years. I can't imagine what you're going through. Our prayers are with you.

To the people of Canton ... wow, what can I say? The pride that you all take in this weekend, Hall of Fame weekend. I'm proud to be a part of it, and you can count on me coming back all the time.

Last January, when I was elected to the Hall of Fame, I challenged Dolphins fans to overrun Canton, Ohio. And you know what, we've taken it over! Thank you. Thank you all of you, the 13 jersey up there, everybody up in the corner. All of you, thank you so much.

I started playing football when I was 10 years old. That year my father and I took a short drive to a very special place, 90-minute drive from Pittsburgh to Canton, Ohio, where I spent the day with him at the Hall of Fame. To think now that 33 years later I'm actually here with my mother, my dad, my family, teammates, friends, being inducted into the Hall of Fame, it's overwhelming and an incredible honor.

And, it's also an honor to be up here with so many great Hall of Famers that include the great players and coaches that have made the game what it is today. It's humbling and I'm proud to be part of this special club guys, thank you.

As a young man, God blessed me with a special talent to throw a football and I was very fortunate to grow up in an environment like the city of Pittsburgh in the neighborhood of Oakland, an area that was full of football tradition. My dream started right there on Parkview Avenue in Oakland and it stayed there for 21 years. There's not many players who can say they went to grade school, high school, college all in the same neighborhood, all within a short walk from the home that I grew up in. It was literally a 10-minute walk from my home to the 50-yard line of old Pitt Stadium.

I lived right across the street from a church when I was a kid and I still have vivid memories of playing football for St. Regis. On the morning of games, going to church in full dress uniform. We'd have cleats, pads, helmets, everything. We were wearing everything and the coaches would lead us in prayer. We would say Hail Marys and Our Fathers in praying for victory and then we'd march down the street, cheerleaders, band playing, to play our game. And it didn't get much better than that. And you know what? We never lost.

I'd like to think that God was on my side, but then again it was a Catholic Church League and he was on everybody's side.

Central Catholic was my high school and it was a great place for an education. Where are you? I know there's a bunch of you here. Great place for an education and also it was a great place to play the game of football and many of my teammates I know are here and friends from high school. I thank you for coming to Canton.

I also want to mention my high school coach, Rich Erdelyi's here. Coach, you meant so much to us. I want to thank you for taking the pride and dedication and teaching us the game of football. Of course, Coach Erdelyi takes all the credit for my success. To this day, he still tells the story that when I went to Central that I was throwing left-handed and he actually taught me how to throw right. Problem is, I think he believes it after all these years. Thank you, coach.

From Central Catholic I went right down Fifth Avenue a few blocks to the University of Pittsburgh, where I had four great years. Pitt taught me how to compete at a high level. To tell you how talented our teams were, most weeks our practices were tougher and more demanding than any games we'd play on Saturday. I still say the 1980 team could've beat Georgia at 1 o'clock, Notre Dame at 4 o'clock and been national champs if we were only given the chance. And I have some friends over there, Rickey Jackson, Hugh Green, Jimbo Covert, they'd all attest to that.

To all my Pitt teammates, thanks for coming. Coach Jackie Sherrill, Foge Fazio. Coach Sherrill, I'll never forget your passion for the game and I'll also never forget the advice you gave me the summer of my freshman year. After coach Sherrill watched me throw for 15 minutes, he pulled me over, he said, 'Son, whatever you do, don't let anybody change your style or how you throw the football. You just keep throwing it like you're throwing it. Coach, thanks.

Then came the 1983 draft. I will say it was an interesting day. I've always been asked the question, 'Did it bother me that 26 teams passed on me in the first round?' and I would always answer 'No.' Well, I lied.

Today, I want to thank those 26 teams for passing on me. You gave me an opportunity to play for one of the greatest franchises in the NFL - the Miami Dolphins. And to be coached by the greatest coach ever - Don Shula.

Coach, other than my father, you're the most significant influence on my football career. You pushed me and demanded my best. Coach, you were always a true professional and I want to thank you for the example that you set for me on the field, but also in the community. We didn't win a Super Bowl together and that's something I will always regret not knowing what that feels like. But you and I have won more games together than any quarterback and coach in the history - the culmination - the history of the NFL. That's something I'm very proud of.

Football is the ultimate team game and as you know no one gets to the Hall of Fame alone. And I'm honored that so many of my Dolphin teammates are here today. Many of you showed up and I thank you.

And right from the start you've helped me. I remember my first start going back to 1983. It was against Buffalo and I was a rookie. To be honest, I was a little nervous.

And I stood on the sidelines I remember a veteran, a veteran safety coming up to me, Lyle Blackwood. He came up to me with a serious look and he shook my hand and he said, 'Dan, good luck today. And I don't want you to feel any pressure, but remember this one thing: If you play bad, we'll lose.' Now that's pressure on a rookie.

For 17 years, I was blessed to play with so many great players and coaches. Through all of the good times and bad, all of the wins and the losses, the one thing I could count on was that I could count on my teammates.

I want to thank all the linemen, you guys for protecting me. All of the receivers for the tough catches. All the coaches for helping me be the best player I could possibly be. I will cherish those Sundays that we lined up together. And to every Dolphin player that I've ever stepped on the field with, thank you for sacrifice and your dedication. I know in my heart that I would not be here without you. All of you, every player, every coach, I share in my induction into the Hall of Fame and I share in this bust. I mean that.

I wish I could thank all of you individually, but I would like to mention a few. Two guys - Mark Duper and Mark Clayton. Yeah. Yeah, you deserve it.

In 1984, we set a standard for throwing the football that teams are still trying to match today. And the one thing I remember most about Duper and Clayton is their competitive spirit and their attitude that they were the best. Every time they would come back to the huddle, they would always insist that they were open and that they always wanted the ball. And they constantly reminded me that they were making me a star. Thank you guys. Hopefully, I'll see you here some day because you guys deserve it.

To my fellow Hall of Famer Dwight Stephenson, who is right back here. Dwight, it was a privilege to take snaps from the best center to ever play the game of football.

And to my main man Don Strock, sitting right here. My kids call him Uncle Don. As a quarterback I couldn't have had a better teammate to learn from or a better friend. Coach Shula, "Stroker" and I have something to confess. We use to have special hand signals that we would use that if we didn't like the play that you called, well, coach, we'd just change it. But coach, I tell you, it was Don's idea.

I was one of the fortunate few to spend his entire career in one place, one team, and play for two great owners. I want to thank the late Joe Robbie and the Robbie family for bringing me to Miami.

I want to thank Wayne and Marti Huizenga. Wayne, you were a great boss but also you were a very special friend. Thank you for your commitment to the Dolphins, but also for your commitment to the community in sports in South Florida.

There are so many in the Dolphin organization who've helped me over my career. The trainers, equipment staff, community relations, the PR department and also one man, who stood for class in the entire franchise, former president Eddie Jones. Eddie, I would like to thank you for your commitment to the Dolphins and I want to thank all of you in the Dolphins organization for helping me on and off the field. You're all a special part of my career.

This is a proud day, not only for me but for the entire Marino family and I'm blessed that you're all here. But there's one lady who's missing, great grandma Marino. Grandma was a true Dolphin fan, she was a true sports fan. What I loved about grandma was, she always said I never threw an interception that was my fault. And I believe grandma, I think she was right. She was a great lady and a tough lady and we wish she was here. My younger sisters are here, Cindi and Debbie. All the games you went to supporting me and cheering me on. It seems like you always put me first and I'm glad you're here with your families.

To my mother and dad, we've come a long way from Parkview Avenue. Mom and Dad, I still can't figure out why they called it Parkview Avenue because there wasn't a park and there wasn't no view. But I can tell you that a son couldn't ask for better parents. And, Mom, thank you for your dedication to Cindi, Debbie and me. We were lucky we got to be raised in such a healthy and loving environment. You're the best and I love you.

Dad. My dad, you're my hero. Dad, you're my role model, you're the best coach I've ever had. You taught me how to throw a football, you taught me about hard work, and how to be positive.

I'll always remember the times that we'd just sit and talk about football and about life. You taught me how to treat people the way you want to be treated. You would always say that you didn't deserve anything in life; you only deserve what you earn. My only hope is that Claire and I could pass on those important values to our children. Thank you, Dad. My dad would always tell me that no one does it better. Well, let me say that no one is better than you.

To Claire and the kids, you guys are my true Hall of Famers. You guys are my whole life, you mean everything to me. Win or lose, no matter what the situation, the kids and Claire, you're always there with smiles, hugs and kisses. Dano, Michael, Joey, Allie, Niki, Lia. I love you guys.

Claire, we've had 21 years together. You've been my best friend. You've been an incredible mom. I can't imagine where I'd be without you. There's nothing better than going through life with your best friend right next to you along the way. Claire, you've been my best friend. Thank you for making my life complete and kids, making my life complete.

Looking back on my career I've accomplished many things. But what I cherish more than any record that I hold, any fourth-quarter comeback, any win that I was involved in, what I cherish more are the relationships that I've made, the people I've worked with, the teammates I've lined up beside, the opponents that I've competed against. The friends and family, that's what I cherish most.

My son and I talked about what I was going to talk about in my speech and we want back and forth. He said, 'Dad, you need to tell everyone what you miss most about the game.' To tell you all what I miss most is for 17 years, running out of the tunnel knowing I was the starting quarterback for the Miami Dolphins and playing in front of the greatest fans in the world. That's what I miss most.

Now, it's time. I'm going to start licking my fingers a little bit because you know what happens when I lick my fingers. Of course in the end, every quarterback wants one more thing. He wants one more Sunday in front of his fans with a football in his hand with one last chance to go deep. And I'm going deep.

Clayton, turn around and go deep right there. Right there. Go. You gotta run, man. He was much quicker in his younger days, you know what I'm saying? Much quicker.

Thank you, Mark. Thank you, Dolphins fans for coming. I'll remember this day the rest of my life.

Claire, kids, mom, dad, thank you.




 

 

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