With less than 100 days until the 2024 NFL season kicks off, the focus is turning to the Miami Dolphins and the iconic players who have donned specific jersey numbers for the team. Today we’re spotlighting number 13.
Previous top players featured include Jason Taylor (99), Jared Odrick (98), and many others leading up to Nat Moore (89), Paul Warfield (42), and Larry Csonka (39), with multiple standout athletes recognized at each number down to Jarvis Landry at 14.
The ground rules are clear: only contributions made while wearing a Dolphins uniform count. Number 13 has been worn by two notable Dolphins: safety Jake Scott from 1970-1974, and legendary quarterback Dan Marino from 1983-1999.
Jake Scott was an exceptional player with a unique entrance into the NFL, initially playing in the Canadian Football League as he wasn’t eligible for the NFL draft. Miami snagged him in the 1970 draft’s seventh round. Over six seasons with the Dolphins, he earned five Pro Bowl selections and was named an All-Pro twice. He averaged six interceptions per season and was also an outstanding punt returner.
However, Dan Marino stands out as the most iconic to wear number 13 for the Dolphins, and arguably in NFL history. Holding numerous passing records and making ten consecutive Pro Bowl appearances from his debut, Marino’s jersey number was ultimately retired by the team. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005, cementing his legacy as one of the greats.
In assessing top performers in number 13 across the NFL, Marino is unquestionably among the elite, potentially joined in the top ranks by Jake Scott for his impressive career achievements. However, Marino is often considered the definitive number 13 within not just Dolphins history, but also league-wide, sharing this honor with other NFL Hall of Famers like Ken Riley, Don Maynard, and Kurt Warner.