Dan Marino Receives Special Honor At Central Catholic High School

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - A hometown star returned to his alma mater this morning.

Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino received a special honor at Central Catholic High School.

The visit was part of a national program called, Hometown Hall of Famer.

It's presented by the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Ford Motor Company. The idea is to honor the hometown roots of the game's greatest heroes.

"It helps connect a player who has reached the pinnacle of football glory with the community where it all began," Ford's Megan Carlini said.

Marino grew up in Oakland and graduated from Central Catholic.

He then went on to play football at Pitt. From there, he was drafted by the Miami Dolphins.

He has broken countless records and now, his career and accomplishments are being recognized with a plaque at the school.

"This plaque, that will live in your school, should be an inspiration to all of you to not only follow that mission statement, but that you can be a Hall of Famer in your own profession. By following the lessons, the same lessons that took Dan Marino to Canton," George Veras, of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, said.

Marino talked about his memories of Central Catholic and how proud his parents were to send him to the school.

"The one thing I remember most is how my mother became a school guard and worked extra hours and my dad landscaped on the weekends, so they could make enough money basically so I could come to school here," Marino said.

As for advice for the students, he encouraged them to appreciate education and live in the moment.

"Always remember, this is a great time in your life and it's never going to be the same," Marino said.

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