Pure Facts:86 facts about the Miami Dolphins, organized into categories for easier reading:
Foundation and Early History
1. The Miami Dolphins were established in 1965 as part of the American Football League (AFL).
2. The team began playing in 1966, becoming the first major league sports franchise in Florida.
3. The Dolphins were founded by lawyer-politician Joe Robbie and actor Danny Thomas.
4. The Dolphins’ original head coach was George Wilson.
5. The team’s first home was the Miami Orange Bowl.
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Perfect Season
6. The Dolphins are the only NFL team to have a perfect season, going 17–0 in 1972.
7. This record includes a perfect 14–0 regular season and a Super Bowl VII victory.
8. The 1972 Dolphins were led by head coach Don Shula, quarterback Bob Griese, and running backs Larry Csonka and Mercury Morris.
9. The team allowed just 12 points per game during the regular season.
10. The feat has not been repeated in NFL history.
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Coaching Legacy
11. Don Shula is the winningest coach in NFL history, with 328 victories.
12. Shula coached the Dolphins from 1970 to 1995, a tenure of 26 seasons.
13. He led the Dolphins to five Super Bowl appearances.
14. Shula was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1997.
15. The Dolphins named their training facility the Don Shula Training Center.
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Super Bowl Success
16. The Dolphins have won two Super Bowls: VII (1972 season) and VIII (1973 season).
17. They played in five Super Bowls between 1971 and 1984.
18. The Dolphins defeated the Washington Redskins in Super Bowl VII, 14–7.
19. They beat the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl VIII, 24–7.
20. The team was the first to appear in three consecutive Super Bowls (1971–1973).
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Iconic Players
21. Dan Marino is one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history and played his entire career (1983–1999) with the Dolphins.
22. Marino was the first QB to throw for 5,000 yards in a season (1984).
23. He holds the record for most career touchdown passes (420) in franchise history.
24. Larry Csonka, a Hall of Fame fullback, was instrumental in the Dolphins’ power running game.
25. Wide receiver Paul Warfield was a key offensive weapon during the Dolphins’ championship years.
26. Defensive end Jason Taylor is the team’s all-time leader in sacks with 131.
27. Cornerback Sam Madison was a shutdown defender during the late 1990s.
28. Zach Thomas, a linebacker, was known for his intelligence and tackling ability.
29. Kicker Olindo Mare holds the record for most field goals in Dolphins history.
30. Safety Jake Scott was named MVP of Super Bowl VII.
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Stadium and Fans
31. The Dolphins moved to Hard Rock Stadium (originally Joe Robbie Stadium) in 1987.
32. Hard Rock Stadium has hosted six Super Bowls, including Super Bowl LIV in 2020.
33. The stadium underwent a $500 million renovation completed in 2016.
34. The Dolphins fight song, written by Lee Ofman, debuted in 1972.
35. The team’s mascot is T.D., a dolphin in a football jersey.
36. The “Dolfans” fanbase is known for its loyalty, even during tough seasons.
37. The Dolphins have a large Latin American fanbase due to Miami’s diverse population.
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Memorable Games and Moments
38. The Dolphins’ Epic in Miami playoff game (1981) against the Chargers ended 41–38 in OT.
39. Marino’s “Clock Play” against the Jets in 1994 is legendary for his fake spike and game-winning TD.
40. In 2007, the Dolphins avoided a winless season with an OT victory over the Baltimore Ravens.
41. The Dolphins defeated the Chicago Bears in 1985, ending their 12–0 streak.
42. The Longest Game in NFL history (82 minutes, 40 seconds) was a Dolphins playoff win in 1971.
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Draft and Trades
43. The Dolphins drafted Bob Griese in 1967, their first franchise QB.
44. In 1970, Miami traded for wide receiver Paul Warfield, giving up a first-round pick.
45. Marino was the 27th overall pick in the legendary 1983 draft class.
46. The Dolphins selected defensive end Jason Taylor in the 1997 draft.
47. They drafted cornerback Patrick Surtain in the 2002 draft.
48. In 2019, the Dolphins traded for quarterback Josh Rosen, but the experiment was short-lived.
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Records and Achievements
49. The Dolphins have won 13 division titles.
50. They’ve made 23 playoff appearances as of 2024.
51. Their best regular season record is 14–0 (1972).
52. Miami holds the NFL record for most consecutive home victories (27 from 1971 to 1974).
53. Dan Marino still holds the record for most career passing yards in team history.
54. Larry Csonka is the franchise’s all-time leading rusher with 6,737 yards.
55. Mark Clayton has the most receiving touchdowns in Dolphins history (81).
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Rivalries
56. The Dolphins have heated rivalries with the New York Jets, Buffalo Bills, and New England Patriots.
57. The Dolphins and Jets rivalry is one of the most intense in the AFC East.
58. Miami’s Monday Night Miracle game against the Jets in 2000 is one of the NFL’s greatest comebacks.
59. The Dolphins often face the Patriots in high-stakes December games.
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Recent History
60. The Dolphins hired Mike McDaniel as head coach in 2022.
61. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa was drafted in the first round in 2020.
62. Wide receiver Tyreek Hill joined the team in a blockbuster trade in 2022.
63. The Dolphins made the playoffs in 2022, ending a six-year drought.
64. Miami had a historic offensive performance against the Broncos in 2023, scoring 70 points.
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Fun Facts
65. The Dolphins were the first NFL team to feature cheerleaders in 1978.
66. They were the first team to wear white jerseys at home to combat Florida heat.
67. Flipper the Dolphin performed at games in a tank behind the end zone in the 1960s.
68. Jimmy Buffett once created an alternate team fight song.
69. The Dolphins’ logo has been updated five times since 1966.
70. Miami hosted the Pro Bowl in 1975 and 2020.
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Miscellaneous
71. The Dolphins participated in the first-ever Monday Night Football game in 1970.
72. They are the only team to score three safeties in a single game (1994 vs. Minnesota).
73. The franchise value was estimated at $4.6 billion in 2023.
74. The Dolphins were owned by Wayne Huizenga, the only owner of three professional teams simultaneously.
75. Current owner Stephen Ross purchased the team in 2008.
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Community Impact
76. The Dolphins are deeply involved in local charity work through the Miami Dolphins Foundation.
77. They host an annual “Dolphins Challenge Cancer” bike ride.
78. The team sponsors programs to support youth football in South Florida.
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Trivia
79. Miami’s team colors are aqua, orange, and white.
80. The original team name idea was Miami Mariners before “Dolphins” won a fan vote.
81. The Dolphins appeared in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective, boosting their pop culture fame.
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Player Achievements
82. Dan Marino won the NFL MVP award in 1984.
83. Jason Taylor was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2006.
84. Ricky Williams led the NFL in rushing yards in 2002.
85. Mark Duper was the first Dolphins receiver to eclipse 1,000 yards in a season.
86. Linebacker Bryan Cox was famous for his fiery demeanor and on-field intensity in the 1990s.
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