The Miami Dolphins are one of the most well-known teams in the NFL, with a history full of great players and unforgettable moments. The team was founded in 1965 by Joe Robbie and actor Danny Thomas, and they started playing in the American Football League (AFL) in 1966 as an expansion team. After the AFL merged with the NFL in 1970, the Dolphins joined the NFL and quickly became one of the best teams in the league. Their journey from being a new team to one of the best has been filled with challenges, success, and a loyal fanbase.
Early Years (1966-1969)
In their first few years, the Dolphins struggled to win games. Coached by George Wilson, the team had losing seasons every year from 1966 to 1969. Their first season ended with a 3-11 record, and the following seasons weren’t much better. However, everything changed in 1970 when the Dolphins hired a new head coach, Don Shula.
Don Shula and the Perfect Season (1970-1995)
When Don Shula came to the Dolphins in 1970, the team quickly turned things around. Shula had coached the Baltimore Colts before coming to Miami, and he brought a winning attitude to the Dolphins. The team started making the playoffs regularly, but their biggest achievement came in 1972 with the “Perfect Season.”
The 1972 Miami Dolphins are still the only team in NFL history to go undefeated for an entire season. They won all 14 regular-season games and then won all three of their playoff games, including Super Bowl VII. Led by quarterback Bob Griese, fullback Larry Csonka, and the tough “No-Name Defense,” the Dolphins beat the Washington Redskins 14-7 to finish their perfect season. The Dolphins repeated as Super Bowl champions the next year, beating the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl VIII.
The Dolphins stayed strong through the 1970s, making the playoffs often. They reached Super Bowl XVII in 1982 but lost to the Washington Redskins. Despite not winning more championships in this era, the team remained competitive under Shula.
The Dan Marino Era (1983-1999)
In 1983, the Dolphins drafted quarterback Dan Marino, one of the best quarterbacks of all time. Marino quickly became a star because of his incredible passing ability, setting many NFL records. In 1984, Marino threw for 5,084 yards and 48 touchdowns, leading the Dolphins to Super Bowl XIX. Unfortunately, they lost to the San Francisco 49ers.
Even though Marino was one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, the Dolphins never won a Super Bowl during his time with the team, leading some people to believe he was overrated. They made the playoffs often in the 1980s and 1990s, but couldn’t get back to the big game. Marino retired in 1999, and although he never won a championship, he left a huge mark on the game.
Post-Marino Struggles and Rebuilding (2000-Present)
After Marino retired, the Dolphins went through a tough stretch. The team struggled to find a consistent quarterback and went through many different coaches. They had some successful seasons, like in 2008 when they went 11-5 and made the playoffs with Chad Pennington at quarterback, but they couldn’t return to their past dominance.
Recently, the Dolphins have focused on rebuilding the team with younger players. They drafted quarterback Tua Tagovailoa in 2020, hoping he can lead the team to future success. With head coach Mike McDaniel and a strong defense, the Dolphins have shown promise and are working towards becoming playoff contenders again.
Modern Legacy
Even though the Dolphins have had ups and downs, they remain one of the most respected teams in the NFL. Their 1972 perfect season is one of the greatest achievements in sports, and legends like Don Shula and Dan Marino will always be remembered. As they look to the future, Dolphins fans hope the team will bring back the glory days of Miami football.
