‘Uncle Dan’ Marino’s Epic Christmas Gift to Miami Dolphins QBs

There was a ton of fun, heartwarming, and even revealing moments in Episode 6 of Hard Knocks’ in-season series featuring the Miami Dolphins.

There was the touching backstory of cornerback Kader Kohou, just the second NFL player from the Ivory Coast.

There was more on record-breaking running back Raheem Mostert, including a visit to his home on Christmas morning as his children opened presents.

There was the Dolphins’ adrenaline-soaked win over the Dallas Cowboys, which — like most episodes — featured the exploits of Tyreek Hill.

There was lots of Christian Wilkins post-game in the locker room — putting kicker Jason Sanders on his shoulder as a conquering hero, throwing a flying shoulder into the team’s billionaire owner, Stephen Ross.

Miami Dolphins Hard Knocks Episode 6 Recap

Fun stuff all the way around. But it’s pretty standard stuff, as far as the NFL Films offering goes. What did we enjoy the most?

Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino giving the entire Dolphins quarterback room Isotoner gloves for Christmas. Talk about a full-circle moment.

Back in the 1980s, Marino WAS the Miami Dolphins, but his appeal extended far beyond Broward County. And for men a certain age, one couldn’t think of Marino without thinking of Isotoner gloves.

Check this ad from 1985, when Marino looks into the camera and says, “At Christmas time, I take care of the hands that take care of me.”

Four decades later, he’s still handing out Isotoners.

“Uncle Dan,” as this generation of Dolphins quarterbacks call him, remains a revered member of the organization. But these Dolphins aren’t content to live in the past.

“F— your records, Dan,” Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel yelled playfully to Marino on the sidelines pregame Sunday. “We’re coming for your records, Dan.”

Much work remains for Tua Tagovaioa to do that. On Sunday, he, for the first time in his career, surpassed 4,000 yards in a season. As for Marino? He owns the record for most 4,000-yard seasons with six.

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