The Miami Dolphins are one of the most storied franchises in the National Football League (NFL), with a rich history filled with triumphs, iconic players, and significant moments. Established in the 1960s, the team has become a cornerstone of South Florida sports culture. This article explores the history of the Miami Dolphins, from their inception to their rise as an NFL powerhouse.
The Birth of the Dolphins (1965–1969)
The Miami Dolphins were founded in 1965 as an expansion team in the American Football League (AFL). The franchise was the brainchild of Joe Robbie, a lawyer and businessman, who partnered with actor Danny Thomas to bring professional football to Miami. In 1966, the Dolphins played their first game under head coach George Wilson. Their early years were marked by the struggles typical of new teams. The Dolphins finished their inaugural season with a 3-11 record, but their presence helped establish Miami as a key sports market.
The Shula Era Begins (1970–1979)
The turning point in Dolphins history came in 1970 when Don Shula was hired as head coach. Shula, already an established name in the NFL after coaching the Baltimore Colts, would transform the Dolphins into a perennial contender. The 1970 season also marked the AFL-NFL merger, making the Dolphins part of the newly-formed American Football Conference (AFC) within the NFL.
Shula’s impact was immediate. By 1971, the Dolphins reached their first Super Bowl, though they lost to the Dallas Cowboys. However, it was just the beginning of a dynasty. The Dolphins won back-to-back Super Bowls in 1972 and 1973, cementing their place in NFL history.
The Perfect Season (1972)
The most legendary moment in Dolphins history came during the 1972 season when they completed the only perfect season in NFL history. The Dolphins finished the regular season 14-0, won two playoff games, and triumphed in Super Bowl VII, defeating the Washington Redskins 14-7. Led by quarterback Bob Griese, fullback Larry Csonka, and the “No-Name Defense,” the Dolphins’ undefeated season remains a unique achievement in professional football.
Continued Success (1973–1979)
In 1973, the Dolphins won their second consecutive Super Bowl, defeating the Minnesota Vikings 24-7. While they did not maintain the same level of perfection, they were a dominant force throughout the decade. With stars like Paul Warfield, Larry Little, and Nick Buoniconti, the Dolphins were consistent playoff contenders. However, by the end of the 1970s, the team had started to decline, though Shula remained as head coach.
The Marino Era (1980–1999)
The 1980s ushered in a new era of excitement for the Dolphins, largely due to the arrival of quarterback Dan Marino in 1983. Drafted 27th overall, Marino quickly became the face of the franchise and one of the most prolific passers in NFL history.
Marino’s Record-Breaking Career
Dan Marino revolutionized the passing game, setting numerous records during his time with the Dolphins. In 1984, just his second season, Marino threw for 5,084 yards and 48 touchdowns, both NFL records at the time, leading the Dolphins to Super Bowl XIX. Although they lost to the San Francisco 49ers, Marino’s performance established him as one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, the Dolphins remained competitive, regularly reaching the playoffs under Shula and Marino. However, despite their regular-season success, the team was unable to capture another Super Bowl during Marino’s tenure, often falling short in the postseason.
Shula’s Retirement
In 1995, after 26 seasons with the Dolphins, Don Shula retired as the winningest coach in NFL history, a record he still holds. Shula’s departure marked the end of an era, and the Dolphins faced new challenges as they sought to return to their former glory.
Post-Marino Years (2000–2019)
The years following Marino’s retirement in 1999 were a period of inconsistency for the Dolphins. The team struggled to find stability at the quarterback position and went through multiple head coaches, including Dave Wannstedt, Nick Saban, and Tony Sparano.
The Wildcat Revolution
One of the more memorable moments during this period came in 2008 when head coach Tony Sparano and offensive coordinator Dan Henning introduced the “Wildcat” offense. This unconventional scheme, which featured running backs taking direct snaps, caught opponents off guard and helped the Dolphins to an 11-5 record and an AFC East title, their first division championship since 2000.
The 2010s: Rebuilding and Struggles
Despite brief successes, the 2010s were largely marked by rebuilding efforts. Quarterback Ryan Tannehill, drafted in 2012, showed promise but struggled with injuries and inconsistency. Head coaches came and went, including Joe Philbin and Adam Gase, but the Dolphins were unable to establish themselves as serious contenders. Their last playoff appearance of the decade came in 2016, but the team was eliminated in the Wild Card round.
Recent Years and the Brian Flores Era (2020–Present)
The arrival of Brian Flores as head coach in 2019 signaled a new direction for the Dolphins. Flores, a former New England Patriots assistant, brought a disciplined, defense-first mentality to the team. After a difficult 2019 season, the Dolphins showed significant improvement in 2020, finishing with a 10-6 record. The development of young talent, including quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, has given fans hope for a bright future.
Future Outlook
The Miami Dolphins are once again seen as a rising team in the NFL. With a strong defense, a promising young quarterback, and a culture of accountability instilled by Flores, the team is aiming to return to the playoffs and compete for a Super Bowl. While they haven’t reached the heights of the Shula or Marino eras in recent years, the foundation is in place for long-term success.
Conclusion
From their humble beginnings in the AFL to the glory days of Don Shula and Dan Marino, the Miami Dolphins have carved out a unique place in NFL history. With a perfect season on their resume and a legacy of Hall of Fame players and coaches, the Dolphins remain one of the most recognizable and respected franchises in the league. As they continue to rebuild and look toward the future, fans are hopeful that a new chapter of success is just around the corner.