The NFL community lost a veritable giant on Monday when legendary Miami Dolphins head coach Don Shula passed away at the age of 90. After absorbing that heavy loss, one of Shula’s most prominent players, Dan Marino, said goodbye with a beautiful parting message on Twitter.
Marino shared his message in two parts, including a picture of himself standing next to Shula.
“Coach Shula – you will truly be missed! You embody the definition of ‘greatness.’ You brought that winning attitude with you every day and made everyone around you better,” Marino wrote. “Thank you for always believing in me. You made me a better player and person. My thoughts & prayers are with the entire Shula family. Love you Coach! #RIP“
Marino played for Shula from his rookie season in 1983 until Shula retired in 1995. Though the two of them never did reach the pinnacle of the NFL during their time together, they came awfully close. Following Marino’s MVP season in 1984, the Dolphins ended up making it to Super Bowl XIX, only to lose by the score of 38-16 to Joe Montana, Bill Walsh and the San Francisco 49ers.
Here are the tweets Marino sent to honor his late coach and mentor: