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Dan Marino Pens Heartwarming Tribute to Don Shula After His Passing

Dan Marino and Don Shula Steve Mitchell / USA TODAY Sports

On Monday, legendary Miami Dolphins coach Don Shula passed away at the age of 90.

It wasn’t long after the news broke that messages of love and respect started flowing in from those who knew him.

One such message came from Dolphins icon Dan Marino, who took to social media to pen a heartfelt farewell to his former coach.

Shula coached Marino for nearly his entire NFL career, but Shula’s own coaching career with the Dolphins began far before the two ever joined forces.

Shula first joined the Dolphins as the head coach in 1970. What followed was one of the most dominant eras for any team in NFL history.

Of course, he and his Dolphins team reached the precipice of the sport in 1972, when they completed a perfect 17-0 season, winning Super Bowl VII over the Washington Redskins. The next season, the Dolphins successfully defended their title when they defeated the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl VIII.

Shula was named the AP NFL Coach of the Year on four different occasions and was named the Sports Illustrated Sportsperson of the Year in 1993.

While Marino and Shula were never able to win a championship together, they gave the Dolphins some of the best regular seasons in franchise history.

Surely, he will be remembered for his success on the field and the impact he had on those who were lucky enough to learn from and be mentored by him.