Sometimes, Even the Gods Mourn...

Dan Marino is a hero to many of us. But, for many of us like Dan, our first hero is our father. Dan Marino's father, Dan Sr., died last night after battling cancer. He was 71.

Dan Sr. is credited for teaching his son that legendary quick-release that would make him the greatest quarterback to ever play the game. And I'm sure Dan Sr. is also credited for making Dan the stud that he was on the field with a good kick in the pants or two during his lifetime. Our hearts go out to Dan, his mother and the entire Marino family.

Here's what The Right Arm of God had to say about his dad during his Hall of Fame induction speech back in 2005:

My dad, you're my hero. You're my role model, you're the best coach I've ever had. You taught me how to throw a football, you taught me about hard work, how to be positive.

I'll always remember the times that we'd just sit and talk about football and about life. You taught me how to treat people the way you want to be treated. You would always say that you didn't deserve anything in life; you only deserve what you earn. My only hope is that Claire and I could pass on those important values to our children. Thank you, dad. My dad would always tell me that no one does it better. Well, let me say that no one is better than you.

RIP Dan Sr.