Marino2Clayton
I'm too drunk to taste this chicken.
I was never so proud to be a Dolphin fan as I was on Sunday during the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony. It wasn't just Dan Marino's wonderful speech or his son's heartfelt introduction, it was the way "Dolphin Nation" took over Canton, Ohio.
80% of the 22,000 people in attendance were Dolfans, and that is a conservative estimation. Not only did they come from all around the country, but from all around the world.
One of my favorite memories from Sunday came when Chris Berman introduced the 51 Hall of Famers that were in attendance. When Don Shula's name was announced, the entire crowd rose to their feet and gave the game's all time winningest coach a standing ovation. It only lasted about a minute and a half, but it seemed to last forever. The ovation was a great tribute to a great coach. This franchise has not been the same since Shula left.
When it was Marino's turn to come to the podium and give his speech, the crowd once again rose and showered Marino with cheers, tears, and a chant of "Danny, Danny, Danny." It was a very emotional moment for everyone there.
During his speech Marino mentioned that he regretted not knowing what it feels like to win a Super Bowl. I hope that the feeling he received from his adoring fans will somewhat fill that void. As much as people want to argue about Marino's place in history, there is no doubt that he is one of the most beloved players the game has ever had.
Marino was sure to thank the Dolphin faithful in attendance. "Last January when I was elected to the Hall of Fame, I challenged Dolphins fans to overrun Canton, Ohio. You know what -- you've taken it over! Thank you. Thank you to all of you."
Marino's speech exceeded everyone's expectations, but it may of been overshadowed by his son's endearing introduction of his Dad. At only 19 years old with the pressure of a national television audience, Daniel Marino Jr. showed the poise of someone twice his age.
Throughout his speech you could see the love and admiration he has for his dad.
"My father was the most passionately competitive player I know," the young Marino said. "If there is one thing you can say about my father, it's his competitive spirit matches his ability as a player. In the same way my grandfather is my father's hero, my father is my hero."
Just like in Dan Jr's speech, family not football was the center of Dan Marino's speech.
"To Claire and the kids, you guys are my true Hall of Famers. You guys are my whole life. You mean everything to me. Win or lose, no matter what the situation, the kids and Claire, you're always there with smiles, hugs and kisses. Dano, Michael, Joey, Allie [Alexandra], Niki, Lia, I love you guys. Claire, we've had 21 years together. You've been my best friend. You've been an incredible mom. I can't imagine where I'd be without you."\
Why is Marino so loved by his fans? It's because he is such a great person and a class act.
For me the most emotional part of the day was when Dan turned to thank Coach Shula.
"Coach, other than my father you are the most significant influence on my football career. You pushed me and demanded my best. Coach, you were always a true professional, and I want to thank you for the example you set for me on the field [and] also in the community. We didn't win a Super Bowl together, and that is something I will always regret not knowing what that feels like. But you and I have won more games together than any quarterback and coach in the history of the NFL. That is something I'm very proud of."
Another great moment was when Marino paid tribute to his two favorite receivers.
"I wish I could thank you all individually, but I would like to mention a few guys. Mark Duper and Mark Clayton ... In 1984, we set a standard throwing the football that teams are still trying to match today. The one thing I remember most about Duper and Clayton is their competitive spirit and their attitude that they were the best. Every time they would come back to the huddle, they would always insist that they were open and they always wanted the ball. And they constantly reminded me that they were making me a star."
The most comical moment of the ceremony came as Dan thanked former Dolphin quarterback Dan Strock.
"Coach Shula, `Stroker' and I have something to confess. We had special hand signals we would use, so if we didn't like the play you called, we would just change it. Coach, I'll tell you, it was Don's idea."
To wrap things up, Marino had to show the Dolphin faithful that he had one pass left.
"Of course in the end, every quarterback wants one more thing. He wants one more Sunday in front of his fans with a football in his hands and one last chance to go deep. I'm going deep to Clayton."
Marino ****ed his golden right arm and hit his favorite target one last time with a perfect spiral. It was a perfect ending to a perfect day.
Was Marino even a little worried that he might miss Clayton with his final pass? He was wearing his bulky pale-yellow induction jacket and had not taken the time to warm up before hand.
Marino said, "That thought never entered my mind, I knew I'd hit him right in the chest."
That's the Dan Marino that I will always remember.
80% of the 22,000 people in attendance were Dolfans, and that is a conservative estimation. Not only did they come from all around the country, but from all around the world.
One of my favorite memories from Sunday came when Chris Berman introduced the 51 Hall of Famers that were in attendance. When Don Shula's name was announced, the entire crowd rose to their feet and gave the game's all time winningest coach a standing ovation. It only lasted about a minute and a half, but it seemed to last forever. The ovation was a great tribute to a great coach. This franchise has not been the same since Shula left.
When it was Marino's turn to come to the podium and give his speech, the crowd once again rose and showered Marino with cheers, tears, and a chant of "Danny, Danny, Danny." It was a very emotional moment for everyone there.
During his speech Marino mentioned that he regretted not knowing what it feels like to win a Super Bowl. I hope that the feeling he received from his adoring fans will somewhat fill that void. As much as people want to argue about Marino's place in history, there is no doubt that he is one of the most beloved players the game has ever had.
Marino was sure to thank the Dolphin faithful in attendance. "Last January when I was elected to the Hall of Fame, I challenged Dolphins fans to overrun Canton, Ohio. You know what -- you've taken it over! Thank you. Thank you to all of you."
Marino's speech exceeded everyone's expectations, but it may of been overshadowed by his son's endearing introduction of his Dad. At only 19 years old with the pressure of a national television audience, Daniel Marino Jr. showed the poise of someone twice his age.
Throughout his speech you could see the love and admiration he has for his dad.
"My father was the most passionately competitive player I know," the young Marino said. "If there is one thing you can say about my father, it's his competitive spirit matches his ability as a player. In the same way my grandfather is my father's hero, my father is my hero."
Just like in Dan Jr's speech, family not football was the center of Dan Marino's speech.
"To Claire and the kids, you guys are my true Hall of Famers. You guys are my whole life. You mean everything to me. Win or lose, no matter what the situation, the kids and Claire, you're always there with smiles, hugs and kisses. Dano, Michael, Joey, Allie [Alexandra], Niki, Lia, I love you guys. Claire, we've had 21 years together. You've been my best friend. You've been an incredible mom. I can't imagine where I'd be without you."\
Why is Marino so loved by his fans? It's because he is such a great person and a class act.
For me the most emotional part of the day was when Dan turned to thank Coach Shula.
"Coach, other than my father you are the most significant influence on my football career. You pushed me and demanded my best. Coach, you were always a true professional, and I want to thank you for the example you set for me on the field [and] also in the community. We didn't win a Super Bowl together, and that is something I will always regret not knowing what that feels like. But you and I have won more games together than any quarterback and coach in the history of the NFL. That is something I'm very proud of."
Another great moment was when Marino paid tribute to his two favorite receivers.
"I wish I could thank you all individually, but I would like to mention a few guys. Mark Duper and Mark Clayton ... In 1984, we set a standard throwing the football that teams are still trying to match today. The one thing I remember most about Duper and Clayton is their competitive spirit and their attitude that they were the best. Every time they would come back to the huddle, they would always insist that they were open and they always wanted the ball. And they constantly reminded me that they were making me a star."
The most comical moment of the ceremony came as Dan thanked former Dolphin quarterback Dan Strock.
"Coach Shula, `Stroker' and I have something to confess. We had special hand signals we would use, so if we didn't like the play you called, we would just change it. Coach, I'll tell you, it was Don's idea."
To wrap things up, Marino had to show the Dolphin faithful that he had one pass left.
"Of course in the end, every quarterback wants one more thing. He wants one more Sunday in front of his fans with a football in his hands and one last chance to go deep. I'm going deep to Clayton."
Marino ****ed his golden right arm and hit his favorite target one last time with a perfect spiral. It was a perfect ending to a perfect day.
Was Marino even a little worried that he might miss Clayton with his final pass? He was wearing his bulky pale-yellow induction jacket and had not taken the time to warm up before hand.
Marino said, "That thought never entered my mind, I knew I'd hit him right in the chest."
That's the Dan Marino that I will always remember.
