Debates over who the greatest players in NFL history are have always sparked passionate discussion — and Miami Dolphins legend Dan Marino wasn’t about to sit this one out. The Hall of Famer weighed in with his pick for the best quarterback he’s ever seen play, notably leaving out Tom Brady for a very particular reason.
Several names are regularly thrown into the mix when it comes to the greatest signal-caller the league has ever seen. Some even believe that current stars—like Patrick Mahomes—could very well join that conversation in the not-so-distant future.
However, when it came time to make his pick, Marino didn’t hesitate to name four-time Super Bowl champion and San Francisco 49ers icon Joe Montana.
“He [Montana] was the best I’ve ever seen,” the former Dolphins standout claimed during an appearance at the Fanatics Fest event.
Joe Montana and Dan Marino speak onstage at Fanatics Fest NYC 2025 at Javits Center on June 21, 2025 in New York City.
When explaining why he didn’t choose the legendary Patriots quarterback, Marino couldn’t ignore a controversial incident that remains a topic of debate to this day: “Tom Brady was pretty good too, but he had deflated balls.”
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The controversial Deflategate scandal
The Deflategate scandal, which occurred during the 2014 AFC Championship, involved accusations that the New England Patriots intentionally deflated footballs. The NFL‘s investigation concluded it was “more probable than not” that balls were tampered with and that Tom Brady was “at least generally aware.” This led to Brady’s four-game suspension, a team fine, and loss of draft picks, sparking intense debate about the Patriots’ integrity.
For many, Deflategate cast a shadow on Brady’s career, making them question his GOAT status. Critics argue it suggests a willingness to cheat for an advantage, implying his success wasn’t purely skill-based. While supporters dismiss it as minor, the lingering perception of wrongdoing continues to influence opinions, preventing some from considering him the undisputed greatest player.
Montana’s greatest achievements
Joe Montana’s unparalleled success in the biggest games is a key reason many, including Dan Marino, consider him the GOAT. Montana famously led the San Francisco 49ers to four Super Bowl victories in the 1980s, winning Super Bowl MVP honors three times.
He was renowned for his calm demeanor under pressure, earning the nickname “Joe Cool” for his ability to lead game-winning drives. His consistent clutch play and perfect SB record cemented his reputation as the ultimate winner.
Marino, a contemporary of Montana, often highlights his rival’s exceptional talent and precision. While he held numerous passing records, he acknowledged Montana’s unique ability to elevate his team to championships, which ultimately set him apart in the eyes of many peers and fans alike.
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