Top 30 NFL players of the 1900s

Top 30 NFL Players of the 1900s

PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 13: Quarterback Joe Montana #16 of the San Francisco 49ers passes during pregame warm up before a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium on September 13, 1987 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers defeated the 49ers 30-17. (Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images) /

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MIAMI, : Miami Dolphins quarter back Dan Marino throws a pass during 4th quarter action against the Denver Broncos 21 December at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, Florida. Marino tossed four touchdown passes in their win 31-21 and clinched a wild card playoff berth. AFP PHOTO RHONA WISE (Photo credit should read RHONA WISE/AFP via Getty Images) /

8. Dan Marino

I’ll level with you, Dolphins fans — if you think Marino should be higher than a certain guy who wore 16 in San Francisco, I won’t argue too much with you. Marino was in a league of his own and ahead of his time.

The former first round pick was an immediate success in Miami. He went 7-2 in nine starts in his rookie season, throwing 20 touchdowns to just six interceptions. His sophomore campaign in 1984, though, is still one of the greatest seasons for a quarterback in NFL history.

He threw for 5,084 yards, a league record that stood until 2011. His 48 touchdown passes were also a new NFL record that stood until 2004. Marino also led the NFL in completions, attempts, yards per attempt, and yards per game.

As much credit as Marino deserves, Don Shula does, as well. He completely adapted his style from three yards and a cloud of dust to deep shots and a blaze of glory. Marino was head and shoulders above every other quarterback in terms of his numbers, and he did it all without any other big-name players. He continues to somehow be one of the NFL’s all-time underrated players.

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