Monday's retirement marked the end of the career of not just one of the greatest football players of all time, but of also one of classiest and kindest athletes in sports history.

In an age of spoiled, big-mouthed athletes, Marino was never critical of teammates or coaches, preferring to deal with any differences internally. And in a time when the criminal world has increasingly crept its way into the sports world, Marino has continued to be a role model out of the limelight with an extensive history of community service and his commitment to his family.

Knowing this, it came as no surprise when Marino handled his retirement with the same class that has marked his career.

When asked about the Dolphin organization's treatment towards him--specifically its not-so-subtle hints that he was no longer welcome on a team despite his 17 years of service--Marino stated that the team had always treated him wonderfully, even though it was clearly not the entire truth.

When the subject of Marino's relationship with former coach Jimmy Johnson--who implied that much of the blame with Miami's woes were Marino's fault--arose, he once again took the high road, saying only that their relationship had "ups and downs," and that he wasn't always happy during Johnson's tenure.

When Marino was asked why he turned down the offer to play with wideouts Randy Moss and Cris Carter and running back Robert Smith--each better than any weapon he had ever had in Miami--in Minnesota, he showed the world what his priorities were. Not even the best shot at winning his dreamed-of title in years was worth living a few thousand miles away from his family for just six months.

And when the inevitable question of whether his career was complete without that Super Bowl victory surfaced, Marino admitted that while every player would like to go out with a championship, his lack of one would not take away from his career.