Dan Marino may have hung up his cleats over two decades ago, but when it comes to quarterbacks with something left in the tank, he’s still watching closely - and rooting hard. As Aaron Rodgers continues to lead the Pittsburgh Steelers through a heated AFC North race and toward what could be a third straight playoff appearance, Marino is hoping Rodgers isn’t ready to call it a career just yet.
And this isn’t just idle admiration from one Hall of Famer to another. For Marino, this particular Monday night matchup between the Steelers and Dolphins hits close to home - literally and figuratively.
The Pittsburgh native grew up in the Steel City, starred at Pitt, and even had the chance to return home professionally when the Steelers offered him a contract after his Dolphins career wrapped up in 2000. He passed on that opportunity, but his ties to the city - and the franchise - run deep.
Now he’s watching another all-time great wear the black and gold, and he’s liking what he sees.
Rodgers, at 42, isn’t just out there for a farewell tour. He’s still producing - 20 touchdowns to just seven interceptions and a 96.2 passer rating through 12 games.
Those numbers have kept Pittsburgh firmly in the playoff mix and neck-and-neck in a competitive AFC North. It’s not vintage Rodgers in terms of mobility or arm strength, but the decision-making, the touch, and the command of the offense are still elite.
Marino sees it - and he respects it.
Speaking recently, Marino said he’s only crossed paths with Rodgers a few times - mostly at celebrity golf events in Lake Tahoe or during his CBS broadcasting days - but his admiration for the longtime quarterback is clear. He called Rodgers “an incredible player” and said he “throws it as good as anybody ever has in the league.” That’s high praise coming from someone who once redefined what a quarterback could do through the air.
But beyond the physical tools, what stands out most to Marino is Rodgers’ passion for the game. “It’s still in his heart and soul,” Marino said, pointing to the way Rodgers continues to compete at a high level, even as the miles and hits add up. There’s a fire that hasn’t gone out - and Marino, like a lot of fans, hopes it stays lit a little longer.
Rodgers, for his part, seems to be embracing his role as one of the league’s elder statesmen. After Philip Rivers came out of retirement to join the Colts, Rodgers joked that he’s no longer the oldest active player in the league.
But the joke came with a nod of respect - he praised Rivers’ toughness, football IQ, and the kind of legendary trash talk that only a few quarterbacks can truly pull off. That mix of humility and competitive edge?
It’s part of what’s made Rodgers so compelling in this late-career run.
As the Steelers prepare to host the Dolphins on Monday Night Football, Rodgers’ future beyond this season remains a question mark. Retirement talk is swirling, and the decision could come sooner rather than later. But for now, he’s still out there - still slinging it, still leading, still giving Pittsburgh a shot.
And for Dan Marino, that’s more than enough reason to keep watching - and hoping the ride isn’t over just yet.