Dan Marino Says 2007 MASH Diagnosis Prompted Public Push to Raise Awareness

Pro Football Hall of Famer Dan Marino said he received a diagnosis of Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatosis Hepatitis, commonly referred to as fatty liver disease or MASH, in 2007 and is now sharing his experience to encourage awareness and early detection.

Marino, a Miami Dolphins legend who spent 17 NFL seasons and finished among the league’s all-time leaders in passing yards and touchdowns, joined a group of former athletes partnering with Novo Nordisk on the company’s Unordinary Stories campaign. He said the effort is intended to prompt people to consult their physicians and treat the condition as manageable when detected early.

"Novo Nordisk is a company that I wanted to get involved with because they’re trying to make a difference," Marino told Fox News Digital. He cited figures during the interview, saying "there’s one in 20 Americans that have fatty liver disease, MASH, and 15 million Americans have that." He added that diet and exercise remain fundamental components of management and urged routine medical checkups.

Marino said the diagnosis was a wake-up call but that his physician reassured him on the condition’s manageability with early intervention. "It’s manageable with early detection," he said. "So, go to your doctor and get your normal checkups like you always do. Diet and exercise are always the big thing."

The former quarterback said lessons learned in sports shaped his response. "There’s one thing I always take away from football, athletics and sports: that’s being positive," Marino said. He described focusing on practical steps to stay healthy, and he credited a supportive family environment, including his wife, Claire, for helping him adhere to lifestyle changes.

Marino declined to reveal details about other participants in the Unordinary Stories campaign, saying the project is designed to give athletes the opportunity to discuss significant life moments and transitions that often occur out of public view. The campaign pairs those personal narratives with information aimed at promoting awareness of health conditions and motivating people to seek medical advice.

Marino, who turned 64 this month, said he continues to exercise and maintain a healthy diet as part of his approach to managing MASH. He emphasized early detection as central to outcomes and advised people to treat routine health screenings as a priority.

Medical professionals define Metabolic Dysfunction Associated Steatosis Hepatitis as a form of fatty liver disease linked to metabolic dysfunction. Marino’s remarks align with public health messages that prioritize screening for at-risk populations, lifestyle modification, and physician-directed care. The Unordinary Stories campaign seeks to elevate those messages by leveraging public figures to share personal experiences.

Marino’s announcement adds a high-profile voice to ongoing efforts to increase recognition of fatty liver disease and encourage routine medical evaluation. He said his goal in speaking publicly is to help others identify the condition early and take manageable steps to preserve their health.