Long before the rise of social media, where hot takes can spread like wildfire, bold opinions often found their way into newspaper columns and talk radio. One of the most notable examples of this phenomenon occurred in 1993, when Miami Herald columnist Greg Cote made a provocative suggestion regarding one of the Miami Dolphins’ most iconic players, Dan Marino.
On October 10, 1993, during a matchup against the Cleveland Browns, Marino suffered a devastating torn Achilles tendon. This injury not only ended his season but also thrust backup quarterback Scott Mitchell into the spotlight. At just 25 years old, Mitchell had shown promise in his early appearances, particularly during a standout performance on Halloween against the Kansas City Chiefs, where he threw for 344 yards and three touchdowns, leading the Dolphins to a 30-10 victory.
In the wake of Marino's injury, Cote published a column on November 1, 1993, with the headline, "Trade Dan Marino. Keep Scott Mitchell." In his argument, Cote suggested that Marino's age and recent injury could make him a valuable trade asset, while Mitchell could potentially become the franchise quarterback Miami needed. This bold assertion quickly gained traction and sparked widespread debate among fans and analysts alike.
Fred Segal from Freezing Cold Takes recounted the significant impact of Cote's column, stating, "He wrote to trade Dan Marino and keep Scott Mitchell. And articles now, like someone writes an article. I don’t know how big of a stir it makes. But then it was a big deal. I mean everyone made a big deal out of it." The column prompted Cote to defend his position on various local and national platforms as the discussion intensified.
However, the controversy surrounding the potential trade idea soon unraveled. Just two weeks after Cote's column was published, Mitchell himself suffered a shoulder injury, sidelining him for a period. The Dolphins, who had started the season strong with a 9-2 record—including a historic 325th win for head coach Don Shula—struggled in the absence of consistent quarterback play. Ultimately, Miami lost their final five games, finishing the season at 9-7 and missing the playoffs.
In hindsight, the proposed trade never materialized. Marino made a triumphant return in 1994, earning the Comeback Player of the Year award with an impressive 4,453 passing yards and 30 touchdowns. He continued to play for the Dolphins until his retirement in 1999 and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2005. Conversely, Mitchell signed with the Detroit Lions in 1994, where he had a notable 1995 season with 4,338 yards and 32 touchdowns but struggled to replicate that success in the years that followed, retiring in 2001.
For Cote, the debate over whether to trade Marino for Mitchell became one of his most memorable and discussed takes, often revisited in conversations about Miami sports history, including on shows like The Dan Le Batard Show. As Marino solidified his legacy as a Hall of Famer, Cote's controversial prediction has remained a lasting part of the narrative surrounding the Dolphins and their storied franchise.
Leave a Comment