Introduction: The Pride of Miami: The Miami Dolphins are one of the most recognizable franchises in professional football. Founded in 1966 as a member of the American Football League (AFL), the Dolphins joined the NFL when the AFL–NFL merger took effect in 1970. Based in the Miami metropolitan area, the franchise built its reputation on championship football, outstanding coaching, innovative offense, and a tradition of excellence. The Dolphins reached the pinnacle of professional football in the early 1970s, winning back-to-back Super Bowls and completing the only perfect season in NFL history. Under legendary head coach Don Shula, Miami became a symbol of discipline, consistency, and championship ambition. From quarterback Dan Marino’s record-setting passing career to the bruising running of Larry Csonka and the leadership of Bob Griese, the Dolphins have produced generations of football legends. The Founding of the Miami Dolphins The Dolphins were established in 1966 as an AFL expansion franchise. Attorney and businessman Joe Robbie and television personality Danny Thomas were the original owners who secured the team. Robbie became the franchise’s principal owner and guiding business figure, while Thomas’s ownership interest was short-lived. The team began playing in the AFL in 1966 and entered the NFL in 1970 following the merger. Miami struggled during its first seasons, but the arrival of head coach Don Shula in 1970 transformed the organization. By 1971, the Dolphins were competing for championships. In 1972, Miami completed a perfect season, winning every regular-season and postseason game before defeating Washington in Super Bowl VII. All Miami Dolphins Owners The Dolphins have had several ownership eras, each contributing to the franchise’s development. Joe Robbie (1966–1990): Founding principal owner who established the franchise, hired Don Shula, and oversaw the team’s rise to championship status. Robbie also spearheaded the construction of the team’s privately financed stadium. Wayne Huizenga (1994–2008): Purchased a controlling interest in the franchise in 1994. Under his ownership, Miami remained a major NFL organization and the stadium underwent significant commercial and naming changes. Stephen M. Ross (2009–present): Acquired a controlling interest in 2009 and became the majority owner. Ross has overseen extensive stadium renovations, franchise investment, and efforts to return Miami to championship contention. Important ownership note: Ownership percentages and transaction dates changed during transitions. Joe Robbie’s death in 1990 led to the sale of the team to Wayne Huizenga’s ownership group in 1994, with intervening estate and minority-interest arrangements. Ross’s acquisition also occurred in stages before he became the controlling owner. Every Stadium the Dolphins Have Called Home Miami has played its home games in two principal stadium locations, with the current venue undergoing multiple name changes. Miami Orange Bowl (1966–1986) The Dolphins played their first 21 seasons at the Miami Orange Bowl, a historic stadium in Miami. The venue hosted the team’s early AFL years, the transition to the NFL, and the rise of its championship dynasty. The Orange Bowl was the setting for Miami’s early home games during the perfect 1972 season. It was also the home of the University of Miami Hurricanes and a major landmark in South Florida sports history. Joe Robbie Stadium / Hard Rock Stadium era (1987–present) The Dolphins moved to a new stadium in 1987. Built in Miami Gardens, the venue was originally known as Joe Robbie Stadium and has since carried several names: Joe Robbie Stadium Pro Player Park Pro Player Stadium Dolphins Stadium Dolphin Stadium Land Shark Stadium Sun Life Stadium New Miami Stadium Hard Rock Stadium (2016–present) The stadium has hosted Super Bowls, college football national championships, major international sporting events, and numerous Dolphins playoff games. Extensive renovations have modernized the facility and improved its premium seating, shade, and fan amenities. The Miami Dolphins’ Perfect Season of 1972 The 1972 Miami Dolphins accomplished something no other NFL team has ever matched: a perfect season culminating in a Super Bowl championship. Under Don Shula, Miami finished the regular season 14–0 and won three postseason games to complete a 17–0 campaign. The Dolphins defeated the Washington Redskins 14–7 in Super Bowl VII on January 14, 1973. Kicker Garo Yepremian, running back Larry Csonka, quarterback Bob Griese, and the team’s formidable defense all played important roles in the championship run. The following season, Miami won Super Bowl VIII by defeating the Minnesota Vikings 24–7. Csonka was named Super Bowl MVP after delivering a powerful rushing performance. These consecutive championships established the Dolphins as one of the greatest teams of the early Super Bowl era. Miami Dolphins in the Pro Football Hall of Fame The Pro Football Hall of Fame recognizes players, coaches, and executives who have made exceptional contributions to professional football. This section emphasizes those whose Hall of Fame legacies are closely associated with their work in Miami, rather than listing every Hall of Famer who briefly played or worked for the franchise. Dolphins Hall of Fame legends Larry Csonka — Fullback: A dominant power runner who helped lead Miami to both Super Bowl championships. His rushing ability was central to the team’s ground-oriented offense. Bob Griese — Quarterback: The leader of Miami’s championship offenses, Griese combined efficient passing, sound decisions, and leadership. Jim Langer — Center: An essential member of the offensive line that helped power the undefeated 1972 team. Larry Little — Guard: One of the premier offensive linemen of his generation, Little helped create running lanes for Miami’s powerful rushing attack. Dwight Stephenson — Center: A dominant offensive lineman whose career made him one of the most respected centers in NFL history. Nick Buoniconti — Linebacker: A defensive leader and key member of the championship teams, known for his intelligence and tackling. Dan Marino — Quarterback: Miami’s greatest passing star, whose exceptional arm strength… Continue reading History: The Pride of Miami
Tag: Dan Marino
NFL CONFIDENCE PICKS WEEK 13 NFL 12/03-06-07-08/2020
RAVENS: QB Lamar Jackson rushes for 94 yds. RB Gus Edwards added 101 yds rushing, and RB J.K. Dobbins added 71 rushing yds in Tuesdsy’s victory over the Cowboys. FOOTBALL TEAM ENDS STEELERS UNDEFEATED SEASON 23-17.BILLS get 1st MNF WIN since 1999 BENGALS Safety SHAWN WILLIAMS and TITANS TEAIR TART, suspended 1 game. For violations of UNNESSARY ROUGHNESS, and UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT. Each one INTENTIONALLY STEPPED on an opposing player WILLIAMS stepped on the leg of DOLPHIN G SOLOMON KINDLEY as players were untangling themselves from a pile at the end of a play just before halftime. TART stepped on the leg of BROWNS G WYATT TELLER after he had knocked Tart into the backfield and away from a second-quarter play. Each one will most likely file an appeal. PACKERS: QB Aaron Rodgers 1st player in NFL history to throw 35 TDs in 5 different seasons. Rodgers is in 7th place behind Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Peyton Manning, Brett Favre, Dan Marino, and Phillip Rivers in CAREER TD passes PATRIOTS: QB Cam Newton becomes FIRST QB in NFL history to have 4 games in a season with more than 1 RUSHING TD VETERAN KICKER RETIRES: 35 Year old Stephen Hauschka is retiring after 13 seasons. Began career with RAVENS (2008-2009). Then moved to Broncos for 2010 season. Hauschka is most know for his six season with the Seahawks. He played in 2 Super Bowls with a win in 2014. A very reliable KICKER makin 88.8% of 197 FG attempts with the Seahawks, and 95.1% of extra point tries. He moved to play for the BILLS in 2017. Successfully making 87.9% o 33 attempts. and scoring the only 3 points in their loss (10-3) in the wild card game with the Jaguars. He became a JAGUAR in 2020 but was cut after an 0-2 showing. Career wise he ended with a FG85.2%, an EP of 95.7%. A career long FG of 58 yds. and 1149 points scored FORMER RB: LaGarrette Blount officially retiring. Blount began his career as an undrafted free agent with the TITANS in 2010. But joined the BUCCANEERS, before the 2010 season. He played the 2014 season with the STEELERS between 2 stints with the PATIROTS. 2017 saw with the EAGLES, and finished his career in 2018 playing for the LIONS Blount last played in 2018. He played with 6 different teams in his 9 year NFL career. Spanning his nine-year career, Blount ran for 6,306 yards in and scored 56 touchdowns in the regular season. In eleven career playoff games, Blount totaled 600 yards and eleven TDs. RAVENS/STEELERS: Pass Wednesday COVID-19 tests STEELERS, CHIEFS, SAINTS: Can clinch playoff berths this week. BEARS: QUESTIONABLE: QB Nick Foles (hip), DT Akiem Hicks (hamstring), G Germain Ifedi (calf), T Charles Leno (toe), LB Khalil Mack (back), WR Darnell Mooney (knee), WR Allen Robinson (knee), LB James Vaughters (knee), LB Josh Woods (foot) BENGALS: OUT: CB Tony Brown (hamstring), G Alex Redmond (concussion); QUESTIONABLE: DT Christian Covington (illness), C B.J. Finney (back), LS Clark Harris (illness), CB Darius Phillips (illness), WR Mike Thomas (hamstring), DT Xavier Williams (back), S Brandon Wilson (hamstring) BRONCOS: OUT: S Trey Marshall; QUESTIONABLE: WR Jerry Jeudy (ankle), RB Phillip Lindsay (knee), LB Malik Reed (shin) BROWNS: OUT: WR Khadarel Hodge (hamstring), WR Taywan Taylor (neck), CB Denzel Ward (calf); QUESTIONABLE: C Nick Harris (ankle), DT Vincent Taylor (knee) CARDINALS: OUT: S Jalen Thompson (ankle); QUESTIONABLE: DT Angelo Blackson (illness), DT Rashard Lawrence (calf), S Charles Washington (groin) CHARGERS: DOUBTFUL: LB Denzel Perryman (back); : QUESTIONABLE RB Kalen Ballage (ankle), CB Casey Hayward Jr. (groin), DE Uchenna Nwosu (chest), WR Joe Reed. CHIEFS: OUT: LB Dorian O’Daniel (ankle); QUESTIONABLE: RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire (illness). COLTS: Acitvated DT DeForest Buckner from COVID-19 reserve list. OUT: T Anthony Castonzo (knee), LB Bobby Okereke (ankle), P Rigoberto Sanchez (illness), S Khari Willis (back, quadricep); QUESTIONABLE: T Chaz Green (back), TE Noah Togiai (knee). COWBOYS: OL Zack Martin on injured reserve; for at least 3 games. DOLPHINS: QB Tua Tagovailoa (left thumb injury), is EXPECTED TO START SUNDAY’S GAME AGAINST the Bengals. DOUBTFUL: RB Salvon Ahmed (shoulder), RB DeAndre Washington (hamstring); QUESTIONABLE: G Solomon Kindley (foot), WR Malcolm Perry (chest), EAGLES: OUT: S Rudy Ford (hamstring); QUESTIONABLE: CB Darius Slay (calf) FALCONS: WR Julio Jones (hamstring) and RB Todd Gurley (knee) questionable for Sunday’s game against Saints this week. WR Calvin Ridley missed Friday practice, with foot and ankle problems. OUT: G James Carpenter (groin); QUESTIONABLE: DE Dante Fowler (hamstring), , CB Kendall Sheffield (illness) GIANTS: QB Daniel Jones (hamstring) doubtful for Sunday’s game against the Seahawks. QUESTIONABLE: LB David Mayo (knee) JAGUARS: Jaguars: OUT: LB Dakota Allen (hamstring), LB Kamalei Correa (hamstring), TE Ben Ellefson (knee), DT Davon Hamilton (knee), CB Sidney Jones (Achilles); QUESTIONABLE: WR Chris Conley (hip), T Jawaan Taylor (knee), S Jarrod Wilson (shoulder) JETS: FIRED: DC Greg Williams after questionable call which kept the team on its losing streak. OUT: G Alex Lewis (not injury related); QUESTIONABLE: G Pat Elflein (shoulder), T George Fant (knee, ankle LIONS: OUT: WR Kenny Golladay (hip), DE Da’Shawn Hand (groin), CB Jeff Okudah (shoulder); QUESTIONABLE: DE Austin Bryant (thigh), QB Matthew Stafford (right thumb), RB D’Andre Swift (illness), S Tracy Walker (not injury related) PACKERS: OUT: C Corey Linsley (knee); QUESTIONABLE: LB Krys Barnes (calf), RB Tyler Ervin (ribs), LB Za’Darius Smith (ankle). PATRIOTS: QUESTIONABLE: LB Ja’Whaun Bentley (groin), DL Adam Butler (shoulder), DL Byron Cowart (back), DB Kyle Dugger (toe), K Nick Folk (back), TE Ryan Izzo (hamstring, hand), CB J.C. Jackson (hip), FB Jakob Johnson (knee), G Shaq Mason (calf), QB Cam Newton (abdomen), WR Matthew Slater (knee), RB J.J. Taylor (quadricep). PANTHERS: Place 8 on COVID-19/reserve list. They are WRs DJ Moore, and Curtis Samuels. Others are, Derrick Brown, Zach Kerr, Shaq Thompson, Greg Little, Michael Palardy ,and practice squad receiver Ishmael Hyman RAIDERS: RB Josh Jacobs (ankle) will not play Sunday against the Jets. OUT: S Johnathan Abram (knee), DT Maliek Collins (hamstring, ankle), QUESTIONABLE: DT Maurice Hurst (ankle, calf), CB Isaiah Johnson (groin), CB Trayvon Mullen (illness) RAMS: OUT: LB Terrell Lewis (knee); QUESTIONABLE:… Continue reading NFL CONFIDENCE PICKS WEEK 13 NFL 12/03-06-07-08/2020
