Table of Contents
Miami Dolphins
The Only Perfect Season
The Miami Dolphins are the only NFL team to achieve a perfect season, going 17-0 in 1972 and winning Super Bowl VII.1)
Back-to-Back Champions
The Dolphins won consecutive Super Bowls in 1972 and 1973, solidifying their dynasty under coach Don Shula.2)
Don Shula: The Winningest Coach
Don Shula, who coached the Dolphins from 1970 to 1995, holds the NFL record for most career wins (347).3)
Aqua and Orange Legacy
The Dolphins' colors, aqua and orange, were inspired by the beautiful waters and sunsets of Miami.4)
First AFL Expansion Team in Florida
Founded in 1965, the Dolphins were the first professional football team in Florida.5)
Marino’s Historic Arm
Dan Marino, one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, threw for over 61,000 yards and 420 touchdowns in his career.6)
No Super Bowl for Marino
Despite his legendary career, Dan Marino never won a Super Bowl, losing in his only appearance in 1985.7)
Fastest to 100 Wins
Under Don Shula, the Dolphins became the fastest team in NFL history to reach 100 regular-season wins.8)
Longest Winning Streak in a Season
Their 1972 team won 17 straight games, a record that still stands for most consecutive wins in a season.9)
Larry Csonka’s Dominance
Fullback Larry Csonka won Super Bowl VIII MVP after rushing for 145 yards and two touchdowns.10)
The Wildcat Revolution
In 2008, the Dolphins shocked the NFL by using the “Wildcat” formation to dominate the Patriots.11)
Home of the Orange Bowl
Before moving to Hard Rock Stadium, the Dolphins played in the iconic Orange Bowl from 1966 to 1986.12)
The Miracle in Miami
In 2018, the Dolphins pulled off the “Miami Miracle,” a last-second lateral play to beat the Patriots.13)
First Playoff Appearance
Miami made its first playoff appearance in 1970, just five years after joining the league.14)
Zach Thomas: A Tackling Machine
Linebacker Zach Thomas recorded over 1,700 tackles and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2023.15)
Dan Marino’s 1984 MVP Season
In 1984, Marino set single-season records with 5,084 passing yards and 48 touchdowns.16)
Longest Game in NFL History
Miami played in the longest game ever, a 1971 playoff match against Kansas City that lasted 82 minutes and 40 seconds.17)
First Team to Appear in Three Consecutive Super Bowls
The Dolphins made three straight Super Bowl appearances (VI, VII, VIII).18)
Ricky Williams’ Rushing Records
Running back Ricky Williams set a franchise record with 1,853 rushing yards in 2002.19)
Tua Tagovailoa’s Historic Accuracy
In 2022, Tua led the NFL in passer rating (105.5), the first Dolphins QB to do so since Marino.20)
Nick Saban’s Brief Stint
Alabama coaching legend Nick Saban coached the Dolphins for two seasons (2005-2006) before leaving for college football.21)
First Monday Night Football Appearance
Miami played its first Monday Night Football game in 1970 against the Atlanta Falcons.22)
Mercury Morris and the 1,000-Yard Duo
In 1972, Mercury Morris and Larry Csonka became the first teammates to rush for 1,000 yards each in a season.23)
Jason Taylor: Sack Leader
Defensive end Jason Taylor recorded 139.5 sacks and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017.24)
The Flipper Mascot
In the team’s early years, the Dolphins had a live dolphin named Flipper perform at home games.25)
Hard Rock Stadium's Many Names
The Dolphins' home stadium has had multiple names, including Joe Robbie Stadium, Pro Player Stadium, and Sun Life Stadium.26)
Oldest Rival: New York Jets
The Dolphins' biggest historical rival is the New York Jets, dating back to their AFL days.27)
First Playoff Win Came in 1971
Miami won its first-ever playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs in the longest game in NFL history.28)
1972 Defense Nicknamed “No-Name Defense”
Despite their dominance, the Dolphins’ 1972 defense was called the “No-Name Defense” due to their lack of superstars.29)
Tua’s Record-Breaking 6-TD Game
In 2022, Tua Tagovailoa became the first Dolphins QB since Marino to throw six touchdowns in a game.30)
Dan Marino’s 62-Yard Pass on First Play
In his first career NFL start, Marino completed a 62-yard pass on his very first play.31)
Miami Hosted the Most Super Bowls
Miami has hosted 11 Super Bowls, more than any other city.32)
Historic 51-45 Win Over Jets
In 1986, the Dolphins lost a 51-45 shootout to the Jets, one of the highest-scoring games in NFL history.33)
First Black Starting Quarterback in Team History
In 2000, Ray Lucas became the first Black quarterback to start a game for the Dolphins.34)
The Dolphins Have Never Had the First Overall Pick
Miami has never owned the first overall pick in the NFL Draft.35)
Mark Duper and Mark Clayton: The Marks Brothers
Marino's favorite receivers, Mark Duper and Mark Clayton, formed one of the best WR duos of the 1980s.36)
Most Expensive Stadium Renovation
The Dolphins’ stadium underwent a $500 million renovation to add a canopy and upgraded amenities.37)
Ronnie Brown’s Wildcat Magic
Ronnie Brown threw and ran for touchdowns in a Wildcat-driven blowout of the Patriots in 2008.38)
Only Team to Defeat the 1985 Bears
The Dolphins handed the legendary 1985 Chicago Bears their only loss of the season.39)
Tied for Most Consecutive Winning Seasons
From 1970 to 1984, Miami had 15 straight winning seasons, tied for the longest streak in NFL history.40)
The Dan Marino Statue
A statue of Dan Marino stands outside Hard Rock Stadium in his honor.41)
Jay Fiedler: The First Jewish Starting QB in NFL History
Jay Fiedler, who started for Miami in the early 2000s, was the first Jewish quarterback to start regularly in the NFL.42)
Cam Wake’s Journey from Canada
Defensive end Cameron Wake played in the CFL before becoming an All-Pro pass rusher for Miami.43)
First Game Ever Was a Loss to the Raiders
Miami’s first game as a franchise was a 23-14 loss to the Oakland Raiders in 1966.44)
Mike McDaniel’s Impactful Start
In his first season (2022), head coach Mike McDaniel led Miami to the playoffs for the first time in six years.45)