- 1966
- 1972
- 1972
- 1973
- 2008
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Miami Dolphins Team Formation
After a lengthy absence, professional football returned to Miami after the American Football League awarded an expansion team franchise to lawyer Joseph Robbie and actor Danny Thomas for $7.5 million. Robbie had originally wanted to establish the franchise in Philadelphia, but AFL commissioner Joe Foss suggested courting Miami due to its warm climate, growing population, and lack of a football ... -
Only Undefeated Season in NFL
In 1972 the Dolphins completed the only fully undefeated season in the NFL, winning all 14 regular-season games, two playoff games, and Super Bowl VII, defeating the Washington Redskins 14-7. They finished the season 17-0, and are immortalized as the only team to complete an undefeated season and win the NFL title. QB Bob Greise was victim to a broken ... -
Super Bowl VII Winner 1972
Super Bowl VII was an American football game between the American Football Conference (AFC) champion Miami Dolphins and the National Football Conference (NFC) champion Washington Redskins to decide the National Football League (NFL) champion for the 1972 season. The Dolphins defeated the Redskins by the score of 14–7, and became the first and still the only team in NFL history ... -
Super Bowl VIII Winner 1973
Super Bowl VIII was an American football game between the National Football Conference (NFC) champion Minnesota Vikings and the American Football Conference (AFC) champion Miami Dolphins to decide the National Football League (NFL) champion for the 1973 season. The Dolphins defeated the Vikings by the score of 24–7 to win their second consecutive Super Bowl, the first team to do ... -
New Owner Ross
In February 2008, Stephen M. Ross bought 50 percent of the Miami Dolphin franchise, Dolphin Stadium, and surrounding land from then-owner Wayne Huizenga for $550 million, with an agreement to later become the Dolphins’ managing general partner. On January 20, 2009, Ross closed on the purchase of an additional 45 percent of the team from Wayne Huizenga. The total value ...
History of the Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are one of the most storied teams in NFL history. Founded in 1966, they were a charter American Football League (AFL) member and joined the National Football League (NFL) when both leagues merged in 1970. Since its inception, the team has won two Super Bowls, five AFC Championships, and 13 division titles. They have also had some legendary players on their roster, such as Dan Marino, Larry Csonka, Bob Griese, Ricky Williams, and, more recently, Ryan Tannehill.
The Dolphins have been known for their strong defense throughout history. Hall-of-Fame defensive coordinator Bill Arnsparger led it from 1970 to 1976 and devised an innovative “53” defense still used today by many teams across all levels of football play. That same year they drafted future Hall-of-Famer Nick Buoniconti, whose leadership would help propel them to three consecutive Super Bowl appearances between 1971 - 1973 with victories against Washington Redskins (Super Bowl VII) and Minnesota Vikings (Super Bowl VIII).
In 1982 Don Shula took over as head coach becoming one of only four coaches to lead his team to multiple Superbowl wins, first defeating the Washington Redskins 14–7 during XXVII, then losing out against the San Francisco 49ers 38–16 during the XXIX season finale ending what was arguably considered at a time best run for any professional sports franchise: six divisional titles within seven seasons plus back-to-back world championships!
The early 2000s saw a resurgence under new head coach Dave Wannstedt who led them into playoffs twice but failed to make it past the wild card round each time before being replaced midway through the 2004 season after posting a dismal 10 – 6 record overall. From there onwards, things went downhill rapidly, culminating in the infamous 2007 debacle where the entire coaching staff got fired following a 1 – 15 campaign resulting in the worst record ever recorded by any NFL franchise! Despite this setback, however, Miami managed to stay competitive, making playoffs 4 times between 2008 and 2018, including a historic 2016 season where quarterback Ryan Tannehill threw career-high 19 touchdowns leading the squad all way Wild Card Round, eventually falling short versus Pittsburgh Steelers 30–12 despite having gone 10 – 6 regular term beforehand!
Established
1966
City
Miami
League History
1970 - Present / National Football League
1966 - 1969 / American Football League
Team History
1966 - Present / Miami Dolphins
Nickname
Dolphins - The Miami Dolphins are among the most popular National Football League (NFL) teams. But did you know that their nickname, "Dolphins," has an interesting origin story?
A fan contest drew 19,843 entries to name the AFL expansion team. A total of 622 contestants suggested “Dolphins.” The bottlenose dolphin, an intelligent creature with an irresistible built-in grin, has inspired wonder for centuries. Team owner Joe Robbie liked the name: "The dolphin is one of the fastest and smartest creatures in the sea.” “Dolphins can attack and kill a shark or a whale. Sailors say bad luck will come to anyone who harms one of them.”
It all began when Joe Robbie and Danny Thomas purchased a franchise for Miami in 1965. The team was originally going to be called the “Miami Marlins,” but another organization already took this name. So they looked elsewhere for inspiration and chose “dolphin” as their new mascot—a nod to Florida's abundance of marine wildlife.
Their logo featured two dolphins swimming side-by-side, one facing forward and the other facing backward—symbolizing progress and unity between fans across different generations. This unique design quickly became iconic among sports enthusiasts everywhere!
Over time, people have come up with various theories about why dolphins were chosen as a mascot: some believe it could represent speed or agility; others think it may be because dolphin pods often work together harmoniously; while still, others suggest it is simply because they're so cute! Whatever your interpretation, there's no denying how beloved these aquatic mammals are throughout South Florida today.
Whether you're watching from home or at Hard Rock Stadium on game day, please support our favorite football team: Go Dolphins!
Championship
Super Bowl 2
1974, 1973
Stadium
2016 - Present / Hard Rock Stadium
2010 - 2016 / Sun Life Stadium
2009 - 2010 / Land Shark Stadium
2005 - 2009 / Dolphin Stadium
1996 - 2005 / Pro Player Stadium
1987 - 1996 / Joe Robbie Stadium
1966 - 1986 / Miami Orange Bowl
Owner
2009 - Present / Stephen M. Ross
2008 - 2009 / Stephen M. Ross and Wayne Huizenga
1993 - 2008 / Wayne Huizenga
1990 - 1993 / Robbie Family and Wayne Huizenga
1966 - 1990 / Joe Robbie
1965 - 1966 / Joe Robbie and Danny Thomas)
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Retired Number
12 / Bob Griese
13 / Dan Marino
39 / Larry Csonka
*Blue is this team’s history