Appreciation

By Jim Kelly

When you grow up in western Pennsylvania, as Dan Marino and I did, nothing comes easily. Our parents told us that you have to work for the things you want, and that old-fashioned work ethic is a significant part of why Dan will be remembered as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. Dan was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in 1983, and he was lucky enough to arrive in the right situation, with a legendary coach, Don Shula, and a pretty good team. In just his second season, the Dolphins went to the Super Bowl. They lost to the 49ers, but we all thought Dan would go back three or four more times. It didn't work out that way.

Still, every Sunday he fought to make the Dolphins champions. His records, including 48 touchdown passes in one season, tell only a piece of the story. Dan's competitiveness and preparation were unmatched, and he got unprecedented respect, not only from his teammates but also from his opponents. Anytime Dan stepped on the field, the unbelievable became real. Playing against him, you knew the game wasn't over until the clock showed all zeroes, because there he was on the other sideline, waiting. People may say Dan never won a Super Bowl, but they're forgetting that football is the ultimate team sport. And Dan was a great team player. I'm going to miss the excitement of seeing No. 13 on the field.

--By Jim Kelly, quarterback, Buffalo Bills, 1986-96