For all of the brilliant performances on the gridiron that he's provided, Sept. 4, 1994 will be the day I'll most remember from Dan Marino's career.

Coming off of a season-ending Achilles tendon injury in 1993 that snapped his streak of 145 consecutive games played, Marino suited up for the season opener against the New England Patriots at Joe Robbie Stadium, incredibly, with something to prove.

As amazing as it may seem, even then there were questions surrounding Marino's return. Many called for the veteran to step aside or be traded for "rising star" Scott Mitchell.

Personally, sitting in the stands that afternoon I worried that my football hero would not be able to answer the bell. Amidst the uncertainty, with the class and dignity that has marked his career, Marino stayed silent and took the field and let his play speak for itself.

That day Marino and Drew Bledsoe stood toe-to-toe in a classic quarterback duel, combining for over 900 yards passing and lighting up the scoreboard for 74 points.

Marino, for his part, went 23-for-42 for 473 yards and five touchdowns, giving the Dolphins a 39-35 victory on a 40-yard touchdown pass to Irving Fryer on fourth and 2 late in the final quarter.

The man with the golden arm had once again risen to the challenge, and he went on to earn his eighth Pro Bowl selection that season.

Now, zero championships and six years later, Marino must once again face the criticism.