NFL All-Time QB Rank No. 10: Dan Marino

Ranking the top 50 quarterbacks in NFL history…

10. Dan Marino

Drafted 27th overall by the Miami Dolphins in 1983 out of the University of Pittsburgh, Marino burst onto the scene as a rookie, earning Offensive Rookie of the Year and leading the Dolphins to the playoffs. He quickly became synonymous with explosive passing in an era dominated by the run.

Over his 17-season career entirely with Miami, Marino shattered records, becoming the first quarterback to throw for 5,000 yards in a season (5,084 in 1984) and the first to reach 40 touchdowns (48 that year), earning MVP honors. He led the league in passing yards five times (1984-1986, 1988, 1992) and touchdowns three times.

Marino’s 1984 season propelled Miami to Super Bowl XIX, though they lost 38-16 to the San Francisco 49ers. He was a nine-time Pro Bowler, three-time All-Pro, and set 25 NFL records upon retirement in 1999, including career attempts (8,358) and completions (4,967).

Marino’s career totals stand at 61,361 passing yards and 420 touchdowns across 242 games, with 252 interceptions and a 59.4 percent completion rate. He remains the only quarterback to throw for over 4,000 yards six times and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2005. Despite no Super Bowl win, his volume stats ranked him first all-time in yards and touchdowns at retirement.

Marino’s standout attributes were his lightning-quick release and powerful arm, enabling him to thread needles from the pocket with minimal windup. He also exhibited remarkable durability.

While criticized for lacking mobility and never winning a championship, Marino produced iconic moments and elevated receivers like Mark Clayton and Mark Duper.

But who ranks ahead of Marino at No. 9 all-time?