08/21/2024
I honestly believe this is why Pittsburgh drafted Pickett from PITT……egg on your face once is enough ……
Dan Marino idolized Terry Bradshaw as a kid growing up in Pittsburgh. He dreamed of someday playing quarterback for the Steelers. It could have happened. In 1983, the Steelers had the opportunity to draft Marino. Bradshaw was in his final season in 1983, and the Steelers needed a young quarterback. However, Marino kept falling in the draft due to rumors of drug use and excessive partying at the University of Pittsburgh.
The Steelers had the 21st pick and Marino was available. The Steelers chose Texas Tech defensive lineman Gabe Rivera. Marino would slip all the way down to the 27th pick, where he was selected by the Dolphins. Gabe Rivera would suffer serious injuries from a car accident and was paralyzed.
Marino would shatter virtually all of the NFL's passing records during a brilliant 17-year career with the Miami Dolphins. From 1983 to 1999, Marino threw for 61,361 yards and 420 touchdown passes. He was selected to the Pro Bowl 9 times and was named the NFL's Most Valuable Player in 1984.
Credit: Ghosts of the Orange Bowl