Mark Clayton says Hall of Fame is 'overlooking' legendary Dolphins WR duo

USA Today

29-07-2025

Mark Clayton and Mark Duper formed the iconic receiving tandem known as 'The Marks Brothers.' Along with quarterback Dan Marino, the trio helped usher in a new era of aerial football during the 1984 season with the Miami Dolphins. That year, Clayton led the league with a record 18 touchdown receptions, an astronomical figure at the time.
In that same season, Marino shattered league passing records, while Clayton finished with 73 receptions for 1,389 yards in just 15 games. In an appearance on The Fins Faithful Podcast on Monday night, Clayton reflected on his prolific years with the Dolphins, which included a trip to the Super Bowl.
But in spite his strong numbers, Clayton hasn't earned a spot in Canton, Ohio. His career totals -- 582 receptions, 8,974 receiving yards, and 84 touchdowns -- are comparable to, or better than, those of several current Hall of Fame inductees.
'Danny [Marino] is the only quarterback in the Pro Football Hall of Fame who doesn't have someone he threw to in the Hall with him," Clayton said. "Whether it's a running back, a tight end, or a receiver, he has none.
'I think I've been penalized -- myself and Duper have been penalized -- for playing with Dan. But they don't penalize the other receivers who played with great quarterbacks. I think they're overlooking what we brought to the table. And if they haven't done that to other receivers, then they shouldn't be doing it to us just because we played with a great quarterback.'
Clayton, 64, is now only eligible to reach the Hall of Fame as a senior nominee and has been in consideration for induction in recent years.
The five-time Pro Bowler led the NFL in touchdown receptions in both 1984 and 1988, and has career figures comparable to inductees like Harold Carmichael, Cliff Branch, John Stallworth, Drew Pearson, and Lynn Swann.