Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins burst onto the American Football League (AFL) scene in 1966, before the historic AFL-NFL merger. Despite initial setbacks, the arrival of head coach Don Shula in 1970 changed the team’s fortunes. Playoff trips became a constant in Shula’s first five seasons, and the Dolphins even secured a spot in Super Bowl VI, though it ended in defeat against the Dallas Cowboys.

 

The Perfect Season

The Dolphins set an unmatched NFL record in 1972 by becoming the only team to complete an undefeated season, crowned with a victory in Super Bowl VII. This epoch-making achievement came on the back of their “No-Name” defense led by linebacker Nick Buoniconti and a high-powered offense featuring future Hall of Famers like Bob Griese, Paul Warfield, Larry Csonka, Larry Little, and Jim Langer. They defended their Super Bowl title the following year, making three consecutive appearances in the championship game, an NFL first.

 

The Marino Years

1983 marked a new chapter in the Dolphins’ history with the drafting of quarterback Dan Marino, a player who would rewrite the NFL passing record book. Alongside wide receivers, Mark Clayton and Mark Duper, known as the “Marks Brothers,” and supported by an ironclad line led by centre Dwight Stephenson, Marino spearheaded a frequently top-ranked offense. Unfortunately, despite their regular-season exploits, Marino’s Dolphins reached the Super Bowl only once, a disappointing defeat to the San Francisco 49ers in 1985.

 

Post-Shula Period and Struggles

After Shula’s retirement in 1995, the Dolphins transitioned to a defence-oriented strategy under the stewardship of standouts like Jason Taylor, Zach Thomas, and Sam Madison. However, the team experienced a significant postseason drought beginning in 2002, including a low point in 2007 with just a single win. Hopes of a turnaround were ignited by the hiring of Super Bowl-winning coach Bill Parcells as head of football operations. The team did make a comeback in 2008, tying the NFL record for the most remarkable improvement from the previous season, but unfortunately, this success was short-lived.

 

Recent Developments

After a series of coaching changes, the Dolphins endured another seven-season playoff drought, a franchise record, which lasted until 2015. However, the Dolphins broke their bad spell the following year, securing a playoff spot. Despite a first-round exit and a subsequent string of losing seasons, the Miami Dolphins, with their storied past, remain a team capable of overcoming adversity. Their resilience is as much a part of their identity as their historic 1972 season, and this tenacity continues to inspire their journey in the NFL.