CONGRATULATIONS: WELL-DESERVED HONOR – Miami Dolphins Football Legend, Dan Marino has been named as one of the 100 most influential people in sports by TIME 100 magazine, marking a milestone that cements his reputation and.
Dan Marino, the Miami Dolphins legend who revolutionized the quarterback position and became one of the most iconic figures in NFL history, has officially earned a place among the most influential people in sports. TIME 100 Magazine, which annually recognizes the top athletes, coaches, executives, and innovators who have made profound impacts across various industries, has included Marino in their prestigious list for 2025. This recognition cements his legacy not just as one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game, but also as a figure whose influence transcends football.
For Miami Dolphins fans, Marino’s inclusion on this list comes as no surprise. A Hall of Famer, Marino defined an era of NFL football with his rocket arm, fearless playing style, and unique ability to read defenses. But beyond his on-field exploits, Marino’s impact on the NFL and the broader sports landscape has continued to evolve over the years. From his post-football philanthropic efforts to his role as a prominent sports personality, Marino’s story is one of enduring legacy, profound influence, and unparalleled greatness.
Dan Marino’s career with the Miami Dolphins is etched into the very fabric of the NFL’s history. Drafted by the Dolphins in the first round of the 1983 NFL Draft, Marino immediately became a force to be reckoned with. His incredible arm strength, quick release, and exceptional pocket presence made him a unique talent at the quarterback position. Throughout his 17-year career in the NFL, all of it spent with the Dolphins, Marino shattered numerous records and earned a reputation as one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the game.
Marino’s career stats are legendary in their own right. He retired with over 61,000 passing yards and 420 touchdown passes, both of which were league records at the time. His 1984 season remains one of the greatest individual performances in NFL history, as he threw for 5,476 yards and 48 touchdowns, setting single-season records that stood for over two decades. His quick release and pinpoint accuracy made him one of the most effective quarterbacks in NFL history, and his presence on the field often altered the way offenses approached the game.
In addition to his remarkable statistics, Marino was known for his leadership and unrelenting drive to succeed. Although he never won a Super Bowl, his playoff appearances and numerous division titles helped elevate the Dolphins to prominence. Even now, decades after his retirement, Marino is widely regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks to never win a championship—a testament to the immense skill and determination that defined his career.
What Marino accomplished on the field was extraordinary, but what he represented as a player went far beyond numbers and records. He was the face of the Dolphins franchise for nearly two decades and an indelible figure in the city of Miami. Marino’s charisma, confidence, and tireless work ethic earned him the adoration of fans and the respect of opponents. He was a true ambassador for the game of football, whose influence was felt on every play, in every season.
After retiring from professional football in 1999, Marino transitioned to a career as a sports broadcaster, joining CBS Sports as a studio analyst. His deep understanding of the game, along with his inimitable style, made him a natural fit for television. Marino’s insights, combined with his no-nonsense demeanor, endeared him to fans and allowed him to continue to have a meaningful voice in the NFL’s narrative. He could break down game film, offer strategic insights, and explain the nuances of the quarterback position in a way that only a true legend could.
But Marino’s influence didn’t stop there. The Miami Dolphins legend has used his platform to become involved in various philanthropic efforts, with a focus on supporting children and families facing adversity. He co-founded the Dan Marino Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities. Through the foundation, Marino has raised millions of dollars to fund research, create awareness, and support those in need. His philanthropic work has solidified his status as a beloved figure both in the sports world and beyond.
Marino has also served as an advocate for mental health awareness, using his own experiences and struggles with loss and personal challenges to raise awareness and provide resources for those who are struggling. He has spoken publicly about the difficulties he’s faced in his life and how he has channeled his energy into helping others. His commitment to making a positive impact has earned him recognition as a role model and a leader, both on and off the field.
Through his charitable work, Marino has made it clear that he’s committed to improving lives and creating opportunities for others. He’s consistently demonstrated that his legacy extends far beyond the playing field, and his influence as a philanthropist and advocate has had a profound impact on communities across the country.
Marino’s influence on the NFL can be seen in the way the game has evolved over the years. As a pioneer of the modern passing game, Marino helped shape the trajectory of the league’s offensive schemes. In an era when the NFL was known for its dominant running backs and stout defenses, Marino revolutionized the quarterback position by proving that a strong-armed, quick-thinking passer could dominate the game. His success opened the door for future quarterbacks like Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, and Drew Brees, who would go on to follow in Marino’s footsteps and break his passing records.
While Marino was one of the early quarterbacks to showcase the deep passing game as a viable option in an offense, his legacy in this regard is even more far-reaching. Quarterbacks today owe much of their success to Marino’s innovations, as his quick release, ability to read defenses, and willingness to take risks with the football set a blueprint for how modern quarterbacks approach the game.
Moreover, Marino’s impact on the NFL’s culture is undeniable. He became a global ambassador for the sport, appearing in commercials, charitable events, and promotional campaigns for the NFL. His presence helped the NFL gain broader exposure and attract fans worldwide. As a former player, he was instrumental in the NFL’s post-career initiatives to establish alumni networks and enhance the experience of former athletes, creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all players, regardless of their status.
Outside the NFL, Marino’s influence extended into the sports media landscape. As an analyst, Marino became one of the most recognizable voices in broadcasting, helping to shape the way the game is covered on television. His insights, paired with his natural charisma, made him a fixture on CBS and one of the most respected analysts in the business. Marino’s work in the media continued to bridge the gap between fans and players, offering viewers a unique look at the game through the eyes of one of its all-time greats.
Being named to TIME 100’s list of the most influential people in sports is a well-deserved honor for Dan Marino. This prestigious recognition comes as a result of his unparalleled accomplishments both on and off the field, and it serves as a testament to the lasting impact he’s had on the game of football. TIME 100 magazine highlights individuals who have not only demonstrated excellence in their respective fields but who have also made contributions that resonate beyond the boundaries of their sport. Marino has done just that.
From changing the way the quarterback position is played to creating meaningful change through his charitable efforts, Marino’s influence continues to be felt across the world of sports and beyond. His inclusion in TIME 100 solidifies his status as one of the most important and influential figures in the history of the NFL. As a player, he inspired a generation of athletes, and as a philanthropist, he has given back to communities in ways that go far beyond the football field.
In recognition of this honor, Marino reflected on his career and the impact he’s been able to have on others. “It’s humbling to be included in this list with so many incredible people,” Marino said in an exclusive interview with TIME. “But for me, it’s never been about the accolades. It’s about using the platform I have to make a difference in people’s lives. If I can inspire someone to be better or help someone in need, that’s more important than any award or recognition.”
Marino’s commitment to using his influence for good continues to resonate with fans and communities across the globe. From his work with the Dan Marino Foundation to his contributions to mental health awareness, Marino’s legacy as a humanitarian has become as important as his football career. And now, as one of the most influential people in sports, he stands as an example of what it means to use success and influence to leave a positive, lasting impact on the world.
Dan Marino’s place in the TIME 100 is not just a recognition of a stellar football career—it’s a celebration of a life spent pushing boundaries, creating opportunities, and making a difference. He exemplifies what it means to be a true icon, not just in sports, but in the broader world of philanthropy, media, and leadership.
The recognition is a testament to his lasting legacy—one that will endure long after his playing days are over. Whether it’s his contributions to the NFL, his role as a mentor to young athletes, or his tireless work to improve lives through his charitable efforts, Marino has shown that true greatness is defined not only by what you accomplish, but by how you use your platform to uplift others.
Congratulations to Dan Marino on this incredible achievement, and may his legacy continue to inspire the next generation of athletes, leaders, and humanitarians. His place in the TIME 100 is well-deserved and marks the latest chapter in a remarkable story of influence, impact, and excellence.
