Marino first learned of his diagnosis back in 2007, but he chose to speak publicly for the first time in September 2025—on his 64th birthday—in an exclusive interview with People magazine as part of Novo Nordisk’s “Unordinary Stories” awareness campaign.
“I just felt a little tired after I retired,” Marino said. “I wasn’t working out like I used to.” Routine blood work revealed the issue, and further testing confirmed MASH. The disease, which affects roughly 6–8% of adults in the United States, occurs when fat builds up in the liver, causing chronic inflammation and scarring. It is often called a “silent” condition because symptoms may not appear until significant damage has already occurred.
Dan Marino’s career remains one of the most dazzling in football history. Drafted by the Dolphins in 1983 out of Pitt, he exploded onto the scene, taking Miami to Super Bowl XIX in just his second season. In 1984, his MVP year, he shattered records by throwing for 5,084 yards and 48 touchdowns—numbers that were almost unimaginable at the time. Over 17 seasons—all with Miami—he retired in 2000 as the NFL’s all-time leader in passing yards (61,361), touchdown passes (420), and completions (4,967). He was the first quarterback ever to throw for 5,000 yards in a season, made nine Pro Bowls, and earned first-ballot induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2005.
Marino didn’t just play the position—he redefined it. His lightning-quick release, rocket arm, and uncanny field vision influenced an entire generation of quarterbacks, from Peyton Manning to Tom Brady. Though he never hoisted the Lombardi Trophy, his No. 13 jersey hangs retired in Miami, and his legacy as the heart and soul of the Dolphins franchise is eternal.
Now, the same resilience that made him unstoppable on the field is being put to its greatest test off it.
Since his diagnosis, Marino has completely transformed his lifestyle. He follows a Mediterranean diet, trains regularly with former teammate Terry Kirby, and walks or rides bikes every evening with his wife Claire, his rock of 39 years. “She makes sure I go to the doctor and do what I’m supposed to do,” he said with a smile. Together they have six children, and family remains his greatest motivation. “It’s your loved ones, the people you love. It’s a village,” Marino shared.
Doctors say his condition is now stable—and actually improving—thanks to these changes. “If you’re diagnosed with fatty liver or MASH, do what you need to do: eat right, exercise, stay on it. That’s the message,” Marino emphasized.
By going public, the normally private Marino hopes to save lives. Millions of Americans have undiagnosed fatty liver disease, and early intervention can literally reverse the damage.
The NFL community has rallied around him. Former teammates, coaches, and current stars have flooded social media with messages of love and support, praising his courage and class.
Dan Marino once threw perfect spirals under the brightest lights and fiercest pressure the game could offer. Today, he’s proving that same unbreakable spirit in the fight of his life.
This is, without question, the toughest opponent he’s ever faced.
But if anyone can beat it, it’s No. 13.
We love you, Dan. Keep fighting. The entire football world is behind you.
