Dan Marino Talks Super Bowl Disappointment Ahead Of ‘Ring of Comfort’ Commercial Set For Super Bowl LVIII
Throughout his 17-year NFL career, Dan Marino was known for much though perhaps he is most harshly remembered for what he – or more specifically, the Miami Dolphins – could not achieve during his tenure.
Marino is recognized as one of the greatest signal-callers and held a litany of records throughout his illustrious career but could not will his franchise to a third Lombardi Trophy.
Despite it now being a punchline, even used by himself in an upcoming M&Ms commercial set for Super Bowl LVIII, missing out on an elusive Super Bowl ring still lingers.
“I tell people all the time, I did everything possible with my career,” Marino told The Messenger.
“I mean, broke records, played a long time, a lot of winning all that stuff, but that was the only thing that I never was able to accomplish. And does it? Yeah. Does it stick in your mind? Does it? Yes, it's there. It's definitely there.
“And even when I watched the game this year, it's always there. You have that feeling because that's what you do. That was your ultimate goal. And so, you know, that's gonna be there no matter what. And it's past. It's good. I mean, I accept it. I wish I could still play so I could try to do it again. But I can't.”
Marino may not be able to play these days, but if he were able, he thinks his long standing single-season touchdown pass record -- which he set with 48 in 1984 -- and the present one, could very well be shattered.
“Well, since I don't have to do it, I would say 60,” he said. That would be five more than Peyton Manning’s record of 55, set in 2013 – and five more than he theorized to Dan Patrick in 2019.
Without a return to football possible, Marino is now receiving recognition, and comfort, for coming up short in Super Bowl XIX against Joe Montana and the San Francisco 49ers.
Marino, Terrell Owens and Bruce Smith star in a hilarious M&Ms Super Bowl commercial, whereby the legendary triumvirate receive a ring of comfort; making light of their failed attempts to win the Super Bowl.
While there is no true contemporary comparison to his situation, Marino says Bills quarterback Josh Allen best exemplifies that individual quarterback excellence can be insufficient for the ultimate prize.
Despite his allegiance to the Dolphins, the 1984 MVP is pulling for Allen to get his opportunity to take Buffalo to the promised land.
“Josh Allen is as good a quarterback as it gets in the NFL,” Marino said. “He's comparable to anybody in the league. He is a guy that will be around a long time, he'll play at a high level for a long time. And he'll definitely get his opportunities in the future, I hope in the future to see, you know, maybe he's in a Super Bowl.”
The Bills overcame a .500 record through 12 games to claim a fourth consecutive AFC East title and simultaneously deny Miami its first division crown in 15 years. Miami made the postseason for a second year running but once more failed to win a playoff game – a feat not achieved since 2000 – thanks to a loss at Kansas City amid below freezing temperatures.
While admitting the failures of the 2023 season, Marino – who currently serves as a special advisor for Miami – sees brighter times ahead.
“I think everybody on the team, organization, fans; everybody, we're a little disappointed, but also very positive in the fact that I think we do have a lot of very good players and people that can bring us through to the point where we can win a Super Bowl someday and be in that position,” he said.
“And that's all you're looking for. We had run into a little bit of an injury bug at the end -- that's not an excuse, but we did and that's part of it -- and then playing in Kansas City and it was 22-below that's tough conditions for anybody. I don't care who you are.
“But you gotta take care of your own business first, and I believe that everybody thinks that you know, we’ve got a shot to continue to grow as a team and be there one day.”
If you’re wondering what Marino’s role at the Dolphins involves, it of course includes working with the quarterbacks, namely starter Tua Tagovailoa. As for this offseason, Marino will help Miami shape the future he hopes will include the prize which escaped him while under center.
“In the next couple of weeks, probably just be a part of some of the process of what direction the team's going as far as the draft is concerned, as far as you know, what we do as a group,” he said of his offseason duties.
“But I feel very comfortable about the people there. I love them all, and I believe we're going in the right direction.”
Cornerbacks, skill position players and of course, quarterbacks, are Marino’s self-professed specialties when it comes to evaluation. While the Dolphins are healthily stocked at the pass-catching positions, more talent is welcome.
Just don’t call it a cherry on top.
“Not a cherry on top. We need M&Ms peanut butter,” Marino, ever the company man, quipped.
Patrick Mahomes or Brock Purdy will receive bling to cement their place in football immortality at the end of Super Bowl LVIII.
Marino will get fitted out too, a vehicle of solace for what happened in the same game almost 40 years ago.
“At least now I get my ring of comfort from peanut butter M&Ms, which I'm excited about,” he added.
Known for his generosity, perhaps Marino will lend it to the quarterback who endures the same fate in Las Vegas.