The Miami Dolphins franchise has experienced some epic moments throughout its history. Established in 1966, the Dolphins quickly made their mark on the National Football League (NFL) and became synonymous with excellence, success, and even perfection. Led by iconic figures such as head coach Don Shula and legendary quarterback Dan Marino, the Dolphins achieved remarkable milestones and memorable moments that have left an indelible mark on the NFL.
From their remarkable undefeated season in 1972 to their five Super Bowl appearances, the team has cemented their place in football lore. This article will delve into the storied past of the Dolphins, tracing their rise to prominence, their enduring legacy, and the unforgettable characters and events that have defined this iconic franchise.
A Brief History of the Miami Dolphins’ Early Years
In 1965, American Football League (AFL) commissioner Joe Foss awarded owner Joseph Robbie and the city of Miami an expansion team. Robbie chose the team to be called the Dolphins because of the abundant sea life found in the area, and they eventually landed in the NFL during the 1970 AFL-NFL merger.
The team was first led by head coach Coach George Wilson but failed to find much success. The Dolphins replaced him with former Colts head coach Don Shula in 1970, who immediately changed the team’s direction. After appearing in the 1971 Super Bowl, the Dolphins went a perfect 17-0 in 1972, culminating with a Super Bowl VII win over the Washington Redskins.
The team continued to be a force in the league, successfully defending their title in 1973. After going through some rebuilding, Shula ushered in a winning era during the 1980s and 1990s that led to two Super Bowl appearances and multiple division titles behind quarterback Dan Marino.
Famous Players Who Have Played for the Dolphins
The Dolphins have produced some incredible players whose names have been etched in the team’s history books for their performances on the field. From legendary quarterback Dan Marino to Hall of Fame wide receiver Paul Warfield, the team has developed some all-time greats.
Other iconic players include Larry Csonka, who helped lead the team to two Super Bowl victories and was Super Bowl VIII MVP. On defense, there was perhaps no one better than Hall of Famer Jason Taylor, a former NFL Defensive Player of the Year and considered one of the greatest defensive players ever.
A Look at the Coaches Who Have Guided the Team
Throughout its illustrious history, the Dolphins have been fortunate to be guided by a remarkable roster of coaches who have gone down as some of the all-time greats. No one is more notorious than Hall of Fame coach Don Shula, who led the team to a perfect season and two Super Bowl victories. His 328 wins, most of which were with the Dolphins, make him the winningest coach in NFL history.
After Shula retired, Jimmy Johnson stepped in and the team kept winning. Johnson, who won two Super Bowls as head coach with the Dallas Cowboys and would later be inducted into the Hall of Fame, took the Dolphins to three postseasons in his four years as coach. Since Johnson, the team has seen its fair share of ups and downs with different coaches, including Dave Wannstedt, Tony Sparano, Adam Gase, and Brian Flores. The Dolphins’ current head coach is Mike McDaniel, who took the Dolphins to the playoffs in his first year.
Notable Games Played by the Dolphins
Dolphins fans have been lucky to witness some awesome games over the years. One standout game in the team’s history is during the “Perfect Season” in 1972, where the Dolphins secured a remarkable undefeated record by defeating the Washington Redskins in Super Bowl VII. The 14-7 win included a shutout performance by the “No Name Defense” which picked off quarterback Billy Kilmer three times.
Another unforgettable moment occurred in the 1982 Divisional Playoff against the San Diego Chargers. The Dolphins pulled off the famous “Hook and Lateral” pass, a last-second trick play before the half leading to a miraculous touchdown in an epic playoff game. Unfortunately, the Chargers eventually won 41-38 in double overtime.
In 1985 on Monday Night Football, despite the Miami Dolphins gamelines showing them being an underdog to the 12-0 Chicago Bears, Shula’s team stunned The Monsters of the Midway, beating them 38-24 with the legendary 1972 team in attendance. This solidified keeping the ’72 team as the only franchise in NFL history to go through an entire year undefeated.
Ricardo is a renowned author and journalist, known for his exceptional writing on top-news stories. He currently works as a writer at the 247 News Agency, where he is known for his ability to deliver breaking news and insightful analysis on the most pressing issues of the day.
