College Career
Marino played college football at the University of Pittsburgh from 1979 to 1982. As a freshman in 1979, Marino led the Panthers in a 24-17 triumph over West Virginia in the Backyard Brawl. He led the Panthers to a last-minute triumph over the Georgia Bulldogs in the 1982 Sugar Bowl by throwing the game-winning pass to tight end John Brown with less than a minute remaining. His team lost the 1983 Cotton Bowl Classic 7-3 to Southern Methodist and their "Pony Express" of Eric Dickerson and Craig James. His senior year was not his best year, and he finished ninth in voting for the Heisman Trophy in 1982, after finishing fourth the previous year. Marino finished his four college seasons with 7,905 passing yards and 74 touchdowns, with 64 interceptions.
Marino's selection status in the 1983 NFL Draft plummeted after a subpar senior season at Pitt, rumors of drug use and rumors that knee injuries (resulting in four knee surgeries) were hampering his mobility. Five other quarterbacks (Ken O'Brien, Tony Eason, Todd Blackledge and Hall of Famers Jim Kelly and John Elway) were drafted ahead of him.
Read more about this topic: Dan Marino
Famous quotes related to college career:
“In looking back over the college careers of those who for various reasons have been prominent in undergraduate life ... one cannot help noticing that these men have nearly always shown from the start an interest in the lives of their fellow students. A large acquaintance means that many persons are dependent on a man and conversely that he himself is dependent on many. Success necessarily means larger responsibilities, and responsibilities mean many friends.”
—Franklin D. Roosevelt (1882–1945)