Ed Marinaro
Ed Marinaro was born in New York City and raised in New Milford, New Jersey. It was there that his athletic career began. As a heavily recruited high school football and basketball player, Marinaro chose Cornell University, foregoing over 50 scholarship offers, and the rest, as they say, is history.
During his three year varsity career, Marinaro set almost ever Ivy and N.C.A.A. record for running the football. A three-time All-American, Marinaro became the first player in college football history to gain over 4,000 yards in a career (4715) and set 16 other N.C.A.A. records for rushing, scoring and all-purpose running. His career average of 176.4 yards per game is still an N.C.A.A. record. Marinaro received the prestigious Maxwell Trophy, was the A.P. and U.P.I. player of the year, and finished second in the Heisman Trophy balloting. In 1991 he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame and a year later voted the Ivy League Player of the Era.
Drafted in 1972 by the Minnesota Vikings, Marinaro became the first rookie to start for Hall of Fame coach Bud Grant. During his career with the Vikings Marinaro helped lead the team to consecutive Super Bowls in 1973 and ¹74. In 1975 his 54 catches ranked third in the N.F.C. and his 11 catches against the San Diego Chargers was a Viking record.
In 1976 Marinaro fulfilled a childhood dream and returned to his birthplace to play with the New York Jets. At mid-season he was leading the team in rushing, scoring and receiving and coming off two consecutive 100 yard rushing games when he sustained a career-ending foot injury and was forced into retirement.
After moving to Los Angeles in 1978, it didn’t take long for Marinaro to distinguish himself in his new career as an actor. His rugged good looks and charisma led to a role on the hit show LAVERNE & SHIRLEY, but it was his portrayal of Officer Joe Coffey on the Emmy-award winning show HILL STREET BLUES that made Marinaro one of Hollywood¹s most versatile leading men.
After HILL STREET BLUES’ 7 year run, Marinaro went on to become one of the stars of NBC’s critically acclaimed drama, SISTERS which lasted for 6 years.
Ed is also well known for his role as Coach Marty Daniels in Spike TV’S comedy hit, BLUE MOUNTAIN STATE, which ran for 3 seasons and released a follow up feature film. In addition to starring in over 25 feature films and TV movies, Marinaro has been a sought after spokesman for such products as diverse as Miller beer and Fruit of the Loom, to name a few. Other work includes Lifetime’s DROP DEAD DIVA and OFFER AND COMPROMISE, with Tom Cavanagh & Bellamy Young.
Despite his busy schedule, Marinaro takes time to lend his support to many charities, which include hosting the Boca Grande Classic Fishing Tournament to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. An avid fisherman, Marinaro’s other hobbies include golf and skiing.
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