While San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy idolized Drew Brees growing up, his father, Shawn, found inspiration in watching Dan Marino throw the football. This admiration for Marino even led Purdy to don the No. 13 jersey in honor of the former Miami Dolphins quarterback.
"Yeah, my dad was a Dolphins fan, so for him growing up, he was like, 'Man, Dan Marino's got a quick release and all that stuff,'" Purdy said in December. "And so, growing up, I tried to throw quick like Dan."
Much like Purdy, Marino found himself in the Super Bowl during his second NFL season. He remains the youngest quarterback to start in the NFL title game. Marino played 17 seasons in the league, and that Super Bowl appearance in 1984 ended up being his only one.
Marino's lone chance at a championship was thwarted by the 49ers, who beat the Dolphins 38–16 in Super Bowl XIX. That memory isn't preventing Marino from rooting for Purdy.
After being toppled by Joe Montana and the 49ers, Marino believed he would have another shot to hoist the Lombardi Trophy. That opportunity never came.
"I thought I was gonna be back," Marino said. "I thought I was gonna be there many times. It just didn't work out."
Marino urged the young 49ers quarterback not to play scared against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, saying, "I would say, if I was him, just make sure you're prepared. Take care of the situation, and let it flow, man. Hopefully, you can be a winner in the end and have that legacy with you for the rest of your life."
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