Dan Marino, the legendary Hall of Fame quarterback and longtime face of the Miami Dolphins, made waves this week with candid remarks about New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers and his future in the NFL. Speaking during an appearance on a national sports radio show, Marino’s comments struck a chord with fans and analysts alike, prompting spirited debate about Rodgers’ place in the current quarterback landscape.
Now 63, Marino is no stranger to giving measured, respectful commentary on the game and its players. But this time, his tone carried an uncharacteristic edge when asked about Rodgers’ outlook heading into the 2025 NFL season. “I think the question now is whether Aaron can still carry a team the way he used to,” Marino said. “He’s one of the best to ever do it, no doubt. But Father Time doesn’t miss. I’m not sure he’s that guy anymore.”
Rodgers, who will turn 42 during the upcoming season, is entering his second year with the Jets, though he missed nearly the entire 2024 campaign after suffering a torn Achilles just four snaps into the season opener. While reports from OTAs and offseason training suggest he’s on track for a full return, Marino’s comments reflect a growing sentiment among some observers that Rodgers may no longer be capable of consistently performing at an elite level.
The comments weren’t meant to be inflammatory, but they resonated because of Marino’s stature in the sport and his own experience navigating the end of a storied career. Like Rodgers, Marino was once considered the most gifted passer of his generation. And like Rodgers, he spent his final years trying to balance declining physical tools with the high expectations that come from a legacy of greatness.
“I remember thinking I could still do everything I used to do,” Marino said. “But the game changes, and your body doesn’t always let you keep up, no matter how smart you are or how hard you train.”
Rodgers, a four-time MVP and Super Bowl XLV champion, has had one of the most decorated careers in NFL history. Prior to his Achilles injury, he was coming off back-to-back MVP seasons in 2020 and 2021, followed by a slightly down year in 2022 with the Green Bay Packers. His move to the Jets was supposed to signal a new chapter — a chance to elevate a young, talented roster into Super Bowl contention.
But that narrative has yet to materialize. The Jets struggled in his absence last season, and while expectations remain high for 2025, questions loom. Can Rodgers bounce back from a major injury at his age? Can he still move well enough in the pocket, still make the off-platform throws that once made him special?
Marino’s comments struck a nerve not because they were malicious, but because they tapped into an uncomfortable truth for many great athletes: the end often comes faster than expected. Rodgers has insisted he’s motivated to prove the doubters wrong, even referencing a desire to play until he’s 45. But as Marino subtly suggested, the NFL doesn’t always wait for comebacks, even from legends.
Not everyone agreed with Marino’s assessment. Some former players and media figures were quick to defend Rodgers, citing his elite football IQ, arm strength, and ability to adapt. “I think Aaron still has one more run in him,” said former Jets quarterback Chad Pennington during a segment on a local sports network. “If that offensive line holds up and he stays healthy, they’re contenders.”
Still, Marino’s opinion holds weight. Few quarterbacks understand the physical and mental demands of NFL longevity better than him. His perspective isn’t that of a media provocateur — it’s the viewpoint of someone who’s lived it, who’s seen firsthand how even the greatest careers can end on someone else’s terms.
Rodgers has not directly responded to Marino’s remarks, though those close to him have suggested he’s as motivated as ever. With training camp just weeks away, all eyes will be on Rodgers and the Jets as they attempt to turn promise into production. Whether he can still deliver vintage performances or becomes the latest great to struggle with Father Time remains to be seen.
What is certain is that when someone like Dan Marino raises questions, the football world listens. And now, the pressure on Aaron Rodgers to answer those questions — with his arm, his poise, and his leadership — has only intensified.
