Legend of “Dolphin Danny”: Tribute to a Hall of Famer

By Hugo Guzman  |   Monday, August 01, 2005  |  Comments( 0 )

Miami Dolphins
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Everyone knows about the various records that former Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino has set. He has most of the career passing records in existence today. He has the second most 4th quarter come-from-behind victories (John Elway is first). He owns the record for most passing yards in a season, and up until last season, held the record for most passing touchdowns in a season. What some Dolphin fans don't know about is the incredible toughness and competitiveness that Dan Marino possessed. Old "Dolphin Danny" was a true NFL throwback.

Growing up in Miami, I had a chance to watch Dan Marino grow into an icon right before my eyes. If you grew up here or lived here in the 80's and 90's you know what I'm talking about. His physical abilities are well documented, but it was his mental approach that impressed me the most. You're talking about a quarterback who refused to stay down after taking a big hit.

In fact, I can remember an occasion when an aging Marino was taken down hard on a sack. The defensive lineman basically hit him from the front side and drove him backwards onto the turf. Immediately after landing, Marino proceeded to grab the lineman's jersey and curse at him. It seemed like he was telling the man not to ever hit him like that again. It was the one and only time that I've ever seen a quarterback intimidate a defensive lineman.

A lot of media folks are bringing up the fact that despite his talent Dan Marino will be haunted by the fact that he did not win a Super Bowl. However, if you ask NFL greats like John Elway and Brett Favre they will have to admit that despite their own amazing abilities they would have never won a Super Bowl if they didn't have the right personnel assembled around them. Unfortunately for Marino, the Miami Dolphins were never able to bring in a legitimate running back (not one) or a reliable defense to compliment their All Pro passer. In the NFL more than in any other sport no one player can bring home a championship regardless of their ability or desire to win. Dan Marino is possibly the most glaring example of this truth.

In the end, Dan Marino will be inducted into the Hall of Fame on Sunday as a Miami Dolphin. He will be remembered as possibly the greatest pure passer in NFL history. He is one of the last of a breed of player who played his entire career for one team. With or without a ring, Dan Marino should forever be considered a champion.
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About Hugo Guzman

Trying to bring an objective approach to NFL analysis.
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