Dan Marino, Miami Dolphins legend, and the ‘Ace Ventura’ choice that made him lose millions
One of the best quarterbacks in history and his unforgettable participation in ‘Ace Ventura’.
The NFL has been expanding its global footprint at breakneck speed, and Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025, marks a milestone that seemed impossible not long ago. For the first time ever, Spain is hosting an official NFL game. The matchup features the Miami Dolphins and the Washington Commanders, two cornerstone franchises of the league. The Dolphins, of course, are forever linked with one of the most iconic players in American sports history: Dan Marino.
Marino is a household name to NFL fans and casual viewers alike. His fame only grew in the 1990s when he appeared in the hit comedy “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective,” the breakout film that launched Jim Carrey into superstardom. Football plays a central role in the movie, with the Dolphins woven directly into the plot and Marino himself appearing on screen. Years later, he revealed that a single choice he made during production cost him millions of dollars.
Marino’s costly ‘Ace Venture’ decision
“That is very true,” Marino confirmed on The Pat McAfee Show in 2024 when asked whether he really chose a flat fee instead of taking a percentage of the film’s gross earnings. The Hall of Fame quarterback initially had no interest in doing the movie after reading the script, but a meeting with Carrey changed his mind. He eventually signed on to play himself in “Ace Ventura.”
In the film, Marino is kidnapped by Ray Finkle, a fictional former Dolphins kicker who blames Marino for a botched hold on a potential game-winning field goal. The storyline became a defining pop culture moment of the decade. For Marino, though, the bigger twist happened off screen. By opting for a flat payment rather than a share of the revenue, he missed out on a massive payday. “Ace Ventura” turned into a box office smash, taking in 107 million dollars worldwide in the early 1990s.
Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.
Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.