For fans of football, for students of sports greatness, and for those who understand the enduring legacy of gridiron brilliance, the name Dan Marino has always stood tall. But now, with the announcement from TIME 100 that Marino is being recognized as one of the most influential people in the entire sporting world, the acknowledgment isn’t just one shared by fans—it’s immortalized in the annals of cultural relevance and institutional respect. Marino, who spent his entire 17-year NFL career with the Miami Dolphins and redefined what it meant to be an elite quarterback, has joined an elite club of icons, innovators, and leaders who have left a permanent imprint on sports globally. This moment is far more than a personal accolade; it’s a recognition of influence, longevity, class, and the very spirit of athletic excellence.
TIME’s annual 100 Most Influential People in Sports list aims to capture not just who’s trending or who dominates social media, but rather who has genuinely shaped, shifted, or sustained the sporting world in impactful ways. That Dan Marino—who hasn’t thrown an NFL pass in nearly 25 years—is part of this 2025 list proves that influence isn’t just about being active; it’s about being eternal. Marino’s legacy is not confined to statistics, although those numbers are staggering. It’s about what he represented during the peak of his career and how that presence has continued to echo through locker rooms, front offices, media panels, and the hearts of fans ever since.
When Dan Marino was drafted by the Dolphins in 1983, many were unsure of what the team was getting. He had a stellar collegiate career at the University of Pittsburgh but was the sixth quarterback selected in what turned out to be one of the most historic quarterback classes in NFL history. Yet it didn’t take long for Marino to establish himself as the standout among legends. He won NFL MVP honors in his second season, throwing for an unprecedented 5,084 yards and 48 touchdowns—mind-bending numbers even in today’s pass-heavy era. Those weren’t just records; they were statements. He wasn’t following a script. He was writing a new one.
More than the yards, the completions, or even the iconic flick of the wrist that launched perfect spirals downfield, Marino brought a charisma and swagger that turned the Miami Dolphins into must-watch football. He wasn’t a dual-threat quarterback in the mold of modern players, but his quick release, decisive reads, and fearless attitude transformed the Dolphins’ offense and set the standard for quarterback play for years to come. The Dolphins may have not won a Super Bowl during his tenure, but Marino himself became a living monument to what greatness looks like, even in the absence of a ring.
That distinction—of being so influential without ever having hoisted the Lombardi Trophy—is a key part of why this honor from TIME is especially significant. Most “greats” have a defining championship to validate their journey. Marino doesn’t need one. His greatness exists beyond rings. It’s found in the way young quarterbacks study his mechanics. It’s evident in how fans from every corner of the country, not just South Florida, still wear No. 13 jerseys with pride. It’s in the respect given by fellow legends who played against him and by the new generation of players who only know him through highlights, documentaries, and legends passed down from fathers and coaches.
Even after retirement, Marino has remained deeply engaged with the sport and the broader community. He hasn’t faded into the background like many former athletes. Instead, he’s become a fixture on sports television, offering commentary and insight with the same sharp mind that once dissected defenses. Beyond that, his philanthropic efforts—especially those tied to the Dan Marino Foundation—have changed lives. The foundation, which focuses on supporting individuals with autism and developmental disabilities, is a testament to his commitment to using his platform for good. It’s not just about touchdowns or accolades for Marino; it’s about impact. And that’s exactly what TIME 100 seeks to celebrate.
This kind of recognition also speaks to the broader identity of the Miami Dolphins franchise. Marino wasn’t just a star player—he was the Dolphins for nearly two decades. He carried the weight of a city on his shoulders, brought South Florida into the national spotlight, and became synonymous with perseverance, grit, and pure football excellence. His influence helped shape the franchise’s legacy, attracting new generations of fans and setting a standard of excellence that still echoes through the team’s corridors today. It’s telling that despite the many quarterbacks the Dolphins have employed since his retirement, Marino is still the measuring stick. Every young Miami quarterback inevitably gets compared to him—not just because of his numbers, but because of what he meant.
This honor from TIME also serves as a bridge between eras. In today’s hyper-connected sports culture, influence is often measured by Instagram followers or viral moments. Marino’s brand of influence is different. It’s foundational. It’s the kind that you feel when you walk into a stadium and see his name in the Ring of Honor. It’s the kind that inspires documentaries, is referenced in sports movies, and is revered by analysts decades later. He didn’t need TikTok to trend—his right arm did the talking.
And yet, Marino hasn’t rested on legacy alone. He has embraced change, staying involved with the Dolphins in various capacities, including serving as a special advisor to the team. He has mentored younger players, shaped team culture, and offered his wisdom in key decisions behind the scenes. This willingness to evolve, to continue contributing without hogging the spotlight, is part of why he remains so beloved and respected. TIME’s editors and contributors surely noticed that blend of humility and gravitas, of on-field greatness and off-field responsibility.
Marino’s selection also represents something larger for fans of the NFL and sports in general. It’s a reminder that influence is not fleeting. In a world obsessed with immediacy and recency bias, there is still space to honor those who built the very foundation upon which modern greatness stands. Marino’s fingerprints are all over today’s game, from the high-octane passing attacks that dominate Sundays to the mental toughness required to handle the pressures of quarterbacking in the social media age. His legacy is baked into the league’s DNA.
The celebration of Dan Marino as one of TIME’s 100 most influential figures in sports also offers a perfect moment for reflection. Think of the millions of young fans who fell in love with football watching him play. Think of the players who wore his jersey to practice, hoping to replicate just a fraction of his brilliance. Think of the families he’s impacted through his foundation, the communities he’s uplifted, the dreams he’s inspired. Influence is not just about legacy—it’s about continuing to matter, to inspire, to lead. Marino does all of that without seeking the spotlight. It follows him naturally because of who he is.
Recognition from a prestigious institution like TIME validates what Dolphins fans and football aficionados have long known: Dan Marino didn’t just play the game—he changed it. He influenced how the quarterback position was viewed, how players carried themselves on and off the field, and how sports figures can leverage their platform for lasting change. He is not just a name in the record books; he’s a force in the culture.
For Marino, this moment isn’t a final chapter. If anything, it’s a reaffirmation. A signal that his impact is still growing, still resonating. That a new generation of sports fans, readers, and thinkers recognizes the magnitude of what he contributed. Being on the TIME 100 list doesn’t just mean you mattered once—it means you still matter, that your legacy continues to ripple outward and shape the future.
As the applause rains in from all corners of the sports world, this much is clear: this honor is richly deserved. Congratulations, Dan Marino. You are not just a Dolphins legend or an NFL icon—you are, officially, one of the most influential people in sports. You always have been. Now the whole world knows it.
