The Miami Dolphins joined the American Football League (AFL) when an expansion team franchise was awarded to lawyer Joseph Robbie and actor Danny Thomas in 1965. The Dolphins began play in 1966, and after four consecutive losing seasons, Don Shula replaced George Wilson as head coach. Miami Dolphins joined the National Football League (NFL) in 1970. The Miami Dolphins were a successful team during the early 1970s, capturing the AFC championship in 1971 behind quarterback Bob Griese and wide receiver Paul Warfield. The AFC Championship Game, in which the Dolphins defeated the Kansas City Chiefs, was the longest contest in NFL history (82 minutes 40 seconds). In the Super Bowl, however, Miami lost to the Dallas Cowboys 24-3. In 1972 the Dolphins accomplished an amazing feat, becoming the first NFL team to finish a season undefeated. Miami went on to win two playoff games and then the Super Bowl, defeating the Washington Redskins 14-7. During this season, Griese and veteran quarterback Earl Morrall shared the passing duties, and running backs Larry Csonka and Mercury Morris became the first teammates to rush for more than 1,000 yards each.

The offensive line included future Hall of Fame members Jim Langer and Larry Little. The 1972 Dolphins defensive unit was also called the No-Name Defense because of Miami’s impressive offense. That was also the league’s best year. It was led by linebacker Nick Buoniconti, end Bill Stanfill, and safeties Dick Anderson and Jake Scott. The Dolphins won 12 games during the 1973 season and repeated as Super Bowl champions, routing the Minnesota Vikings 24-7. Miami reached the playoffs the following season but lost in the first round to the Oakland Raiders. After the disappointing defeat, several players, including Csonka, Warfield, and running back Jim Kiick, joined the short-lived World Football League. The Dolphins managed to win ten games in 1975, aided by Griese’s consistency and the fine play of wide receiver Nat Moore. Miami rebounded from a losing record in 1976 by winning ten or more games in four of the next five seasons. Shula built a solid defense around a new set of stars, including linebacker A. J. Duhe and linemen Bob Baumhower and Doug Betters. In the strike-shortened season of 1982, the Dolphins held five of their nine opponents to 14 or fewer points to en route to their fourth Super Bowl appearance. They lost the title game to Washington 27-17. During the third game of the 1983 season, Shula replaced quarterback David Woodley with rookie Dan Marino, who went on to win the AFC passing championship and rookie of the year award. Buy Miami Dolphins Tickets.