Dan Marino, regarded as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, encountered public backlash in 2013 when it was revealed that he had fathered a child with Donna Savattere. However, his wife, Claire Veazey, chose to stay with him.
Born on September 15, 1961, Marino played college football at the University of Pittsburgh before being selected 27th overall in the 1983 NFL Draft.
He spent his entire 17-year career with the Dolphins, redefining the passing game with his quick release and unmatched precision.
Marino has broken numerous records, including being the first quarterback to throw for over 5,000 yards in a season, achieving this milestone during his MVP-winning 1984 season.
Despite retirement in 1999, Dan is a fan favorite of the Dolphins, and he has been serving as their special advisor since 2014.
Throughout Their Marriage, Claire Supported Dan’s Career and Post-Retirement Endeavors
Dan and Claire married on January 30, 1985.
The couple started dating during their college years, eventually tying the knot.
Dan’s extramarital affair came to light in 2013 when it was revealed that he had fathered a child with a woman named Donna Savattere, a former CBS News production assistant.
The affair occurred in 2005 when Dan worked as an analyst for CBS, and Donna even gave birth to a daughter named Chloe.
The revelation caused a public stir, particularly because Marino had long been known for his family-oriented image.
Marino publicly acknowledged the affair and expressed regret, emphasizing that he had always taken responsibility for his actions.
The NFL quarterback had paid Savattere million dollars to keep the news from the public.
After the news, Dan cut ties with Donna but continued to be involved in the life of his daughter, Chloe.
Donna also moved to Texas and started a new family.
Despite the affair, Claire Marino chose not to divorce him, and the couple has remained together.
Dan and Claire live in Weston, Florida.
Claire has generally maintained a private life, staying out of the public spotlight despite her husband’s fame.
However, she always supports him in his work and philanthropic efforts.
Claire was born in 1962 in Pennsylvania, and reports suggest she knew Dan since childhood.
The couple have six children together.
Daniel, Michael, Joseph, and Alexandra are their own children, whereas they adopted two children, Lia and Niki Lin, from China.
While Marino’s children largely avoid the public eye, Dan’s Instagram posts show that some of their kids are married and have children.
Dan Marino Has Dedicated His Post-Football Life to Philanthropy
Marino founded the Dan Marino Foundation in 1992 to support children with autism and developmental disabilities.
He started this when his second-born, Michael, was diagnosed with autism.
The foundation has raised millions of dollars to fund innovative programs and resources.
He established the Dan Marino Center in Weston, Florida, a state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic facility.
Moreover, Marino Campus offers post-secondary education and vocational training for young adults with unique needs.
Through advocacy, scholarships, and awareness campaigns, Marino’s foundation has positively impacted countless lives, cementing his legacy for inclusion and support for those with developmental challenges.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Dan Marino was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
- He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2005.
- Marino received a doctorate degree in broadcast journalism from his alma mater, the University of Pittsburgh, in 2005.
