Dan Marino - Became Hometown Hero At Pitt

In 1979, Marino entered Pitt, his hometown school. Part way through his freshman year, the 6-foot-4, 225-pound Marino took over for Pitt's injured star quarterback and never left the lineup. Marino led the Pittsburgh Panthers to an 11-1 record during each of his freshman, sophomore, and junior years. He also led his team to four post-season appearances, in the Fiesta, Gator, Sugar, and Cotton bowls.

Marino's junior year, 1981, proved the most prolific. That year, he rewrote the school's record books, setting single-season records for most completed passes (226), passing yard (2,876), and touchdown passes (37). He also led his team to a 24-20 Sugar Bowl victory over the University of Georgia with the go-ahead touchdown pass coming with 35 seconds left to play. For his efforts, Marino was named Sugar Bowl MVP and finished fourth in voting for the Heisman Trophy, given to the most outstanding college football player. By the time Marino finished his senior season at Pitt, he owned the school's all-time records for pass completions (693), yards gained (8,290), and career touchdown passes (79).