NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

NFL: 30 of the biggest what-ifs in NFL history

By Hans Themistode

INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - AUGUST 24: Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts on the sidelines during the preseason game against the Chicago Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - AUGUST 24: Andrew Luck #12 of the Indianapolis Colts on the sidelines during the preseason game against the Chicago Bears at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 24, 2019 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
14 of 31
Next
Dan Marino
Dan Marino (Photo by RHONA WISE/AFP via Getty Images) /

NFL: 30 of the biggest what-ifs in NFL history: 18. Dan Marino becomes a Pittsburgh Steeler

The Pittsburgh Steelers are already considered one of the best and successful franchises in NFL history. But, they would’ve gone to a whole other level if they grabbed Dan Marino.

Cliff Stoudt wasn’t a franchise-level quarterback but with the 21st overall pick in the 1983 NFL Draft, the Steelers had the opportunity to grab arguably the best player on the board in Marino. Instead, they took defensive tackle, Gabriel Rivera. His career, while promising, came to a quick and unfortunate end as he got behind the wheel while drunk and as a result, suffered a horrific car accident that left him paralyzed.

Who knows how good Rivera could’ve been but we all know how great Marino ultimately became. Nine-time Pro Bowler, eight-time All-Pro and countless other accolades further accentuate how big of a miss this was for the Steelers.

To make things even worse, Marino was a hometown kid. If they simply sat back and made the sentimental pick, there’s a very good chance the Steelers would be more revered than they already are.

Home/NFL