NFL: 13 Forever

13 Forever

On September 17th, 2000, nobody will care that Tampa Bay routed Detroit 31-10 in the Silverdome, and nobody will notice that the Jets beat the Bills to take first place in the AFC East, and probably nobody will even remember that the Miami Dolphins beat the Baltimore Ravens 19-6, but what people will remember is Dan Marino’s number 13 jersey was retired on this night.

On a rainy night in South Florida, the Miami Dolphins organization decided to put Dan Marino in the Miami Dolphin Honor Roll, as well as retire that infamous number 13 jersey. With friends, and family members on hand to witness the ceremony, Dan Marino was "thrilled." On hand to present the award was former Dolphin Head Coach Don Shula, former Dolphin Quarterback Bob Griese, President of the Miami Dolphins, Eddie Jones, and Owner of the Dolphins franchise Wayne Huyzenga. The group also honored Marino with a statue of Marino which will be placed outside the doors of Pro-Player Stadium for all to see.

Marino, the most prolific passer in the league, will be missed. Then again, Marino left us with a lot of great memories. Before I was born, Marino was already playing football. In 1982, Marino graduated from University of Pittsburgh as the all-time leading passer. Marino threw for 37 touchdowns in his final year at Pitt. Dan also finished 4th, in the Heisman Trophy Balloting. The winner that year, Herschel Walker.

In Marino’s rookie season, he was named Rookie of the Year, and it was the first time a Rookie, was to start in the Pro-Bowl. Oh, and Marino also lead the league in QB Passing (96.0). The begininng to an illustrious career for Dan Marino. In 1984, Marino set NFL records with 5,084 yards, 48 TDs and 362 completions. Marino also posted AFC Championship Game marks with 421 yards and four TDs in 45-28 win over Pittsburgh. Threw for 318 yards and one TD on 29-for-50 passing in Super Bowl XIX loss to San Francisco.

Just some odds, and ends for Dan Marino, here is some numbers for you. In 1986, Dan became the quickest to reach 100 career TD passes, reaching the record in his 44th game to beat Johnny Unitas' 53. Dan also set NFL record by throwing for 30 or more touchdowns for third straight season. He threw for 44 TDs, second-highest total ever, just behind his own mark of 48 set in '84. Dan also compiled 4,746 yards, the third-highest total in NFL history. Oh and on September 21st, 1986 Dan had a six touchdown game against the Jets.

In 1992, Dan joined Dan Fouts and Fran Tarkenton as only QBs to complete 3,000 passes. He also extended own NFL record for most 3,000-yard seasons to nine. Dan threw for 20+ touchdowns for the 10th year. He led the league in passing yards (4,116) for the fifth time. Dan tied Ken Stabler's NFL record for most consecutive postseason games with a TD pass (10).

In 1994, Dan led AFC in passing efficiency since 1986 with 89.2 rating. He joined Fran Tarkenton as only QBs to attempt 6,000 passes. At that time, he passed Dan Fouts to move into second place all-time in completions and passing yards and joined Fran Tarkenton in 300-career TD club.

In 1995, Dan broke Fran Tarkenton's all-time NFL marks for completions, passing yardage, touchdowns and pass attempts. A Six-yard pass to Keith Byars on Oct. 8 gave him record-setting 3,687th completion. A Nine-yard completion to Irving Fryar on Nov. 12 moved him past Tarkenton's 47,003 career yards. Another Six-yard pass to Byars on Nov. 26 gave him record-setting 343rd TD. Dan also threw 6,468th career attempt (which fell incomplete to Randal Hill) to top Tarkenton on Dec. 11. Tied NFL playoff mark with 64 attempts in a first round playoff game.

In 1999, Dan became NFL's first 60,000-yard passer with eight-yard completion to Tony Martin. Dan Marino was a legend, and to the fans in South Florida, and across the United States he was a hero. The one thing about Dan Marino that will never be duplicated, is if there was time on the clock, you had a chance with Dan Marino. Dan Marino brought his team back 47 times in the fourth quarter to win. The Dolphins will forever miss a man, and a true hero, and a legend.

Dan Marino: All time pass king.