Peyton Manning had a front-row seat to greatness on Oct. 10, 1999. In his second year as the Colts quarterback, Manning watched as his childhood idol, Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino, engineered a classic comeback that concluded with his game-winning touchdown pass with under 30 seconds remaining. Marino enjoyed a vintage performance in what was one of the final memorable moments of an iconic career.
The sixth quarterback selected in the 1983 draft, Marino retired following the ’99 season as the NFL’s all-time leading passer. His quick release and cannon right arm produced more than 61,000 passing yards and 420 touchdown passes. A five-time league passing champion, Marino is regarded by many as the greatest pure passer in league history. His 1984 campaign is one of the most remarkable seasons in league history. The league’s MVP that season, Marino threw for then league records 5,084 yards and 48 touchdowns.
In celebration of Marino’s 62nd birthday (hewas born Sept. 15, 1961) here’s a look at his five greatest moments during his 17 years as the Dolphins’ quarterback.
5. Marino outduels Bledsoe to kick off Comeback Player of the Year season
Marino erased any doubts that he was still an elite player in Week 1 of the 1994 season. After missing the final 11 games of the ’93 season after tearing his Achilles, Marino threw for 473 yards and five touchdowns in leading the Dolphins to a 39-35 win over the Patriots. Marino threw three second-half touchdown passes to Irving Fryar that included the game-winning score. In one of the most thrilling season openers in league history, Marino and Patriots quarterback Drew Bledsoe combined to throw for 894 yards and nine touchdowns. Marino won Comeback Player of the Year that season while leading the Dolphins to an AFC East division title.
4. Marino tames the legendary ’85 Bears defense
Buddy Ryan’s famed
