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Pro Football Hall of Famer and Miami Dolphins legend Dan Marino got a wake-up call in 2007 when he received a personal health diagnosis.
Now he shares his journey to help others who can also be affected.
Marino learned the year he had been diagnosed with metabolic dysfunction -associated steatosis hepatitis (MASH), also known as fatty liver disease. In partnership with Novo Nordisk and its Uordinary Stories -Campaign, Marino joined a group of former athletes to share their travels.
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NFL legend Dan Marino visits “Fox & Friends” at Pakinomist Channel Studios on September 8, 2022 in New York City. (John Lamparski/Getty Images)
“Novo Nordisk is a company that I wanted to get involved in because they are trying to make a difference,” he told Pakinomist Digital Monday. “There is one in 20 Americans who have fatty liver disease, moss and 15 million Americans have it. It’s an awareness campaign to basically make people aware of seeing your doctor, and that’s something that is manageable.”
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While Marino would not reveal the stories of other athletes in the campaign of disorders, the project gives the project greatnesses such as him the opportunity to share significant life moments and transitions that often happen behind the scenes. And of course, with any life change, there is support along the way.
For Marino, the diagnosis may have come as a shock, but he was positive after hearing what his doctor had to say.
“It’s manageable with early detection,” he said. “So go to your doctor and get your normal checks that you always do. Diet and training is always the big thing.”
Former NFL player Dan Marino throws out the first pitch before a game between Pittsburgh Pirates and Miami Marlins on the opening day at Loandepot Park on March 27, 2025, in Miami, Florida. (Rich Storry/Getty Images)
Marino, who finished the top 10 in the NFL healing time passing yards and touchdowns after 17 seasons, pointed to a lesson in sports that has helped him since learning his diagnosis.
“There’s one thing I always take away from football, athletics and sports: It’s positive,” he said. “Looking forward and looking for answers and seeing what you can do and how you can be the best you can be. I would say I understood that this is a problem they let me know. But the biggest part is that it is manageable and it handles it.
“Once again, having the great attitude and doing the things you need to do to take care of yourself. There are a lot of examples of it in everyone’s life, is really there.”
Dan Marino enters the field before a trial game between Miami Dolphins and Atlanta Falcons at Hard Rock Stadium on August 9, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Rich Storry/Getty Images)
Today, Marino continues to train and stick to a healthy diet to control his moss. He turned 64 on Monday, and with the support of his wife, Claire, he continues to be proactive to reshape his lifestyle.
