Is Dan Marino Still Considered to be a Top 5 QB of All-Time?

As of my last update in August 2023, Dan Marino is a pivotal figure in discussions about the greatest quarterbacks of all time. His impressive career statistics, which include being one of the first quarterbacks to throw for over 5,000 yards in a season, and the numerous records he held during his time, contribute significantly to his legacy. Many analysts and fans rank him alongside legendary quarterbacks like Tom Brady, Joe Montana, Johnny Unitas, and Brett Favre.

Ranking Among the Legends

While opinions vary, there is a strong consensus that ranks Marino among the top five quarterbacks. This ranking is based on his exceptional performance on the field, including holding numerous passing records and having a string of outstanding seasons.

A Critical Perspective Against Marino

On the other side, there are some who argue that Marino should not be in the top 10 or even the top 15. According to one such critic, the current top five quarterbacks are:

Tom Brady Joe Montana John Elway Patrick Mahomes PEyton Manning

This critic questions whether Marino, referred to as a "curly-haired twat" in a less respectful manner, can be compared to these elite quarterbacks. However, this approach overlooks the evolving nature of the sport and the different eras in which players compete.

America's Most Valuable Player

Despite the criticism, many experts argue that Dan Marino should still be considered a top five quarterback. This perspective is particularly valid when considering the different eras in professional football and how these eras influenced the quarterback position.

Quarterback Eras and Olympic Peak Performance

To evaluate players from different eras, it's crucial to understand the context in which they competed. Newer quarterbacks have benefited from "quarterback-friendly rules" that were not present in prior decades. This can significantly impact how we evaluate past performance.

Top Five Quarterbacks Across Eras

Considering the best quarterbacks across different eras, we can create a timeline that includes the following:

Benny Friedman (1927-1934): Known as the first quarterback in modern sense, Friedman's 20 touchdowns in 1929 were a remarkable feat as teams back then did not score many touchdowns. Sammy Baugh (1937-1952): Nicknamed "Slinging Sammy," Baugh excelled in passing, punting, and defensive back positions during his era. Sid Luckman (1939-1950): He was the first NFL quarterback to average over 200 yards passing per game for an entire season. Bob Waterfield (1945-1952): One of the first stars, Waterfield helped glamorize the quarterback position. Johnny Unitas (1956-1973): Known for inventing or significantly advancing the two-minute drill, the precision passing, and leading the Cleveland Browns to seven out of ten consecutive championship games. Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Drew Brees, Aaron Rodgers, (since 1983): These quarterbacks have been dominant in modern football with their advanced passing and game management skills.

Dan Marino's Impact

Dan Marino's impact is further highlighted by his career. He was the first "video game" quarterback of his time, breaking numerous records set by Johnny Unitas. Marino's 5084 yards and 48 touchdowns in a single season in 1984 were almost unfathomable for that era, setting the stage for future generations.

At present, there is a strong argument for Marino to be considered the fourth "era changer" in the history of the quarterback position. Other quarterbacks who deserve consideration include Brett Favre, Joe Montana, and Steve Young, but Marino's groundbreaking career sets him apart.