History of Miami Dolphins in Timeline
The Miami Dolphins are a professional American football team located in the Miami metropolitan area. Competing in the NFL's AFC East division, they play their home games at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. Owned by Stephen M. Ross, the Dolphins are Florida's oldest professional sports team. Unique among the AFC East teams, the Dolphins were not a charter member of the AFL. They were among the first professional football teams in the southeastern United States, alongside the Atlanta Falcons.
1946: Background of Miami Dolphins
In 1946, the Miami Seahawks played their only season in the All-America Football Conference before becoming the Baltimore Colts. This earlier team's history set the stage for the Miami Dolphins' future establishment.
1965: Franchise Awarded
In 1965, an expansion franchise was awarded to Joseph Robbie and Danny Thomas, marking the establishment of the Miami Dolphins.
1966: Training Camp and Practices
During the summer of 1966, the Miami Dolphins held their training camp in St. Pete Beach and practiced at Boca Ciega High School in Gulfport.
1966: Introduction of Live Dolphin Mascot
From 1966 to 1968, and again in the 1970s, a live dolphin was housed in a water tank at the Orange Bowl to celebrate touchdowns and field goals. The tank was maintained by Evan Bush and Dene Whitaker.
1966: Denny Sym Begins Cheering for Dolphins
In 1966, Denny Sym began his 33-year tenure cheering on the Miami Dolphins, leading crowds in cheers and chants with his iconic coral and aqua hat.
1966: Founding of Miami Dolphins by Joe Robbie
In 1966, Joe Robbie founded the Miami Dolphins. This marked the beginning of the franchise's history in professional football.
1966: American Football League (1966–1969)
In 1966, the Miami Dolphins began their journey in the American Football League (AFL), marking the start of their professional football career.
1966: First Training Camp in St. Petersburg Beach
In 1966, the Miami Dolphins held their first training camp in St. Petersburg Beach. This marked the beginning of the franchise's journey in the NFL.
1966: Miami Dolphins Founded
In 1966, the Miami Dolphins were founded by Joe Robbie and Danny Thomas. This period also saw the team begin their play in the AFL and establish training facilities at Saint Andrew's School in Boca Raton.
1966: Team's Founding and Original Uniforms
In 1966, the Miami Dolphins were founded, and the team's original uniforms featured white pants with aqua and orange stripes, paired with either a white or aqua jersey. The colors paid tribute to the Miami Seahawks and the natural coral reefs in Biscayne Bay.
1967: Logo Adjustment in 1967
In 1967, the Miami Dolphins adjusted their logo, moving the dolphin to the center of the sunburst. This change was short-lived, as the logo reverted to its original placement the following year.
1968: Removal of Live Dolphin Mascot
The live dolphin mascot was removed from the Orange Bowl after the 1968 season to save costs, and in the 1970s due to stress concerns.
1968: Logo Reversion in 1968
In 1968, the Miami Dolphins reverted their logo to its original placement, with the dolphin's head near the center of the sunburst. This design remained until 1973.
1969: American Football League (1966–1969)
By 1969, the Miami Dolphins had completed their tenure in the American Football League (AFL), setting the stage for their transition to the NFL.
1970: Dominance Under Shula
From 1970 to 1999, the Shula-led Miami Dolphins emerged as one of the most dominant teams in the NFL, with only two losing seasons during this period.
1970: AFL-NFL Merger and Shula's Hiring
In 1970, the AFL merged with the NFL, and the Miami Dolphins were assigned to the AFC East division. This year also marked the hiring of Don Shula as head coach, a significant change for the team.
1970: Training Camp at Biscayne College
In 1970, the Miami Dolphins began holding their training camp at Biscayne College, later renamed St. Thomas University. This location served as their training facility until 1993.
1970: NFL Merger
In 1970, the Miami Dolphins joined the NFL as a result of the AFL-NFL merger, marking a significant transition in their football journey.
1970: National Football League (1970–present)
In 1970, the Miami Dolphins transitioned into the National Football League (NFL), becoming part of the league's expansion and history.
1972: Perfect Season Uniforms
During the 1972 perfect season, the Miami Dolphins primarily used white jerseys for road games and daytime home games due to the extreme heat of South Florida. The aqua jerseys were used mainly for night home games or road games where the opponent chose to wear white.
1972: Perfect Season and Super Bowl Win
In 1972, the Miami Dolphins achieved the first complete perfect season in NFL history with a 14-0 regular-season record and won the Super Bowl, marking a historic achievement.
1972: First Undefeated NFL Season and Super Bowl VII Victory
In 1972, the Miami Dolphins became the first team in NFL history to record an undefeated season, going 17-0 and winning Super Bowl VII against the Washington Redskins.
1972: Undefeated Season
In 1972, the Miami Dolphins completed an undefeated regular season with a 14-0 record and went on to win the Super Bowl, a historic achievement in NFL history.
1972: Victories Over Kansas City Chiefs
In 1972, the Miami Dolphins secured notable victories against the Kansas City Chiefs, including 'The Longest Game,' the final game in Municipal Stadium, and the first regular season game at Arrowhead Stadium.
1973: Logo Change in 1973
In 1973, the Miami Dolphins updated their logo to a slightly smaller version, with the dolphin's body centered on the sunburst. This logo remained in use for several years.
1974: Logo Centering in 1974
In 1974, the Miami Dolphins centered the dolphin's body on the sunburst in their logo. This design was a continuation of the adjustments made in previous years.
1976: Founding of Tampa Bay Buccaneers
In 1976, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were founded, establishing an in-state rivalry with the Miami Dolphins. This rivalry remained mellow until the Jacksonville Jaguars joined the NFL in 1995.
1978: Debut of Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders
In 1978, the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders, initially called the Dolphins Starbrites, made their debut. The name was derived from their co-sponsor, Starbrite Car Polish.
1982: Snowplow Game
In 1982, the Miami Dolphins faced the New England Patriots in a memorable game known as the Snowplow Game, which has since become a notable event in their rivalry.
1982: 1982 AFC Championship Win
In 1982, the Miami Dolphins faced the New York Jets in the AFC Championship and secured a victory. This win allowed them to advance to Super Bowl XVII against the Washington Redskins. The rivalry between the Dolphins and Jets is one of the most intense in the NFL due to geographic and cultural differences between New York and Miami.
1983: Dan Marino's Era Begins
In 1983, quarterback Dan Marino began his prolific career with the Miami Dolphins, eventually leading them to multiple division titles and playoff appearances.
1986: Move to Joe Robbie Stadium
In 1986, the Miami Dolphins moved from the Orange Bowl to the newly constructed Joe Robbie Stadium. This move marked the end of an era for the Dolphins, who had played all their home games in the Orange Bowl until then.
1989: End of Joe Robbie's Ownership
In 1989, Joe Robbie's tenure as the owner of the Miami Dolphins came to an end. He had been the original founder and owner from 1966 to 1989, significantly shaping the team's history.
1990: Retirement of Founding Choreographer
June Taylor, the founding choreographer of the Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders, retired in 1990 after leading the squad since its inception in 1978.
1992: Enshrinement of Miami's '1972 Undefeated Team'
In 1992, during the 20 year anniversary celebration, Miami's '1972 Undefeated Team' was enshrined into the Honor Roll. This significant event marked the celebration of their perfect season in 1972.
1993: Stadium Sharing with Florida Marlins
From 1993 to 2011, the Miami Dolphins shared their stadium with Major League Baseball's Florida Marlins. This arrangement lasted until the Marlins moved to their own ballpark in 2012.
1993: End of Training Camp at Biscayne College
In 1993, the Miami Dolphins ended their training camp sessions at Biscayne College (now St. Thomas University) and moved to their new training facility at Nova Southeastern University in Davie.
1993: Opening of Miami Dolphins Training Facility
In 1993, the Miami Dolphins opened a new training facility at Nova Southeastern University in Davie. This marked a significant upgrade in their training infrastructure.
1995: Jacksonville Jaguars Join NFL
In 1995, the Jacksonville Jaguars joined the NFL, becoming the third Florida-based team and adding another layer to the Miami Dolphins' in-state rivalries with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Jaguars.
1996: First Naming Rights Deal for Stadium
In 1996, the Miami Dolphins' stadium received its first naming rights deal, changing its name from Joe Robbie Stadium to Pro Player Stadium. This was the beginning of a series of renamings that culminated in the current name, Hard Rock Stadium, in 2016.
April 18, 1997: Introduction of First Official Mascot
On April 18, 1997, the Miami Dolphins introduced their first official mascot. The 7-foot mascot made its public debut at Pro Player Stadium during the team's draft-day party on April 19.
June 4, 1997: Name the Mascot Contest Winner Announced
The winning name for the Miami Dolphins' new mascot was announced on June 4, 1997, at the annual Dolphins Awards Banquet. The contest attracted over 13,000 entries from all 50 states and 22 countries.
1997: Logo and Uniform Update in 1997
In 1997, the Miami Dolphins updated their logo by simplifying the sunburst and giving the dolphin a more serious expression. Additionally, the uniforms were modified with a different block number font and navy drop shadows, although the overall design remained the same.
1998: First Matchup with Jacksonville Jaguars
In 1998, the Miami Dolphins played against the Jacksonville Jaguars for the first time during a Monday Night Football game. This game marked the beginning of a minor rivalry between the two Florida-based AFC franchises.
1999: Dan Marino and Don Shula Retire
In 1999, quarterback Dan Marino retired after a record-breaking career, and head coach Don Shula also concluded his successful tenure with the Miami Dolphins.
1999: End of an Era
In 1999, the Miami Dolphins concluded a highly successful period under Don Shula's leadership, with only two losing seasons between 1970 and 1999.
1999: Dan Marino's Final Career Game
In 1999, the Miami Dolphins faced the Jacksonville Jaguars in the AFC Divisional Round. The Dolphins, who had a 9-7 record, were heavily defeated by the Jaguars with a score of 62-7. This game was significant as it marked the final career game for Dolphins' hall-of-fame quarterback Dan Marino.
2000: Division Title Win
In 2000, the Miami Dolphins won a division title, marking one of their few post-Marino successes.
2000: Denny Sym's Last Year Cheering for Dolphins
The year 2000 marked the end of Denny Sym's 33-year run as a sideline cheerleader for the Miami Dolphins.
2001: Playoff Appearance
In 2001, the Miami Dolphins made a playoff appearance, highlighting their continued efforts to remain competitive.
2002: Colts Reassigned to AFC South
In 2002, the Indianapolis Colts were reassigned to the AFC South due to the NFL's division realignment. This move cooled down the longstanding rivalry between the Miami Dolphins and the Colts that had reignited in the late 1990s.
2003: Patriots' Dominance Begins
In 2003, Tom Brady's tenure with the New England Patriots saw them begin their dominance of the AFC East, with the Dolphins posing the biggest divisional challenge.
2003: First Use of Orange Jersey
In 2003, the Miami Dolphins debuted an orange jersey for a Sunday night game against Washington. The unusual jersey swap resulted in a win for the Dolphins.
2004: Notable Win Against Patriots
In 2004, the Miami Dolphins, with a 2-11 record, upset the defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots 28-29, showcasing their ability to compete against top teams.
2004: Miracle in Miami
In 2004, the Miami Dolphins achieved a dramatic last-minute game-winning touchdown against the New England Patriots, an event now known as the Miracle in Miami.
2004: Notable Win in Orange Jerseys
In 2004, the Miami Dolphins wore orange jerseys for a Monday Night Football game against the defending champion New England Patriots. The Dolphins achieved a significant upset victory after trailing by 11 points with less than 5 minutes remaining. This game is remembered as "The Night That Courage Wore Orange."
2005: Rivalry Intensifies
In 2005, the rivalry between the Miami Dolphins and the New England Patriots intensified with the hiring of Nick Saban as the Dolphins' head coach and the near-signing of quarterback Drew Brees.
December 10, 2006: Regular-Season Loss
On December 10, 2006, the Miami Dolphins handed the New England Patriots their first regular-season loss since 2006, showcasing their competitive spirit.
2006: Addition of Domed Field at Training Facility
In 2006, the Miami Dolphins' training facility at Nova Southeastern University in Davie added a domed field. This allowed the team to practice during thunderstorms, which are common in the area during the summer.
March 18, 2007: Death of Longtime Dolphins Cheerleader Denny Sym
On March 18, 2007, Denny Sym, who cheered on the Miami Dolphins for 33 years as a one-man sideline show, passed away at the age of 72.
2007: Franchise-Worst Season
In 2007, the Miami Dolphins experienced their franchise-worst season with a 1-15 record, marking a challenging period for the team.
2007: Patriots' Undefeated Regular Season
In 2007, the New England Patriots completed an undefeated regular season with a 16-0 record but ultimately failed to win the Super Bowl, contrasting with the Miami Dolphins' 1972 achievement.
2008: Division Title Win
In 2008, the Miami Dolphins won another division title, showcasing a rebound from previous years.
2008: Division Title and Playoff Appearance
In 2008, the Miami Dolphins rebounded from a poor season to win their division and make a playoff appearance, marking a significant turnaround.
2008: Battle for AFC East Title
In 2008, the Miami Dolphins and the New England Patriots battled for the AFC East division title, highlighting the competitive nature of their rivalry.
August 7, 2009: New Fight Song Revealed
On August 7, 2009, the Miami Dolphins revealed a new fight song by T-Pain and Jimmy Buffett featuring Pitbull for the 2009 NFL season.
August 17, 2009: Debut of New Fight Song
The new Miami Dolphins fight song was played during the preseason home opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars on August 17, 2009.
August 22, 2009: Fight Song Booed and Dropped
After being heavily booed during its debut, the new Miami Dolphins fight song was not played during the second preseason game against the Carolina Panthers on August 22, 2009.
2009: Win Against Jets in Orange Jerseys
In 2009, the Miami Dolphins wore orange jerseys for a Monday night game against the New York Jets, securing a victory. This game continued the trend of successful performances in the orange jerseys.
2009: Dolphins Switch to Black Shoes
In 2009, the Miami Dolphins made a significant change to their uniform by switching to black shoes for the first time since their early 1970s glory days. This change followed a recent trend among NFL teams.
April 2010: Launch of Special Teams Volunteer Program
In April 2010, the Miami Dolphins launched the NFL's first Volunteer Program, named Special Teams. This initiative aimed to mobilize community services and support various charitable programs, contributing over 250,000 hours to the South Florida and Mexico communities since its inception.
August 2010: Launch of Dolphins Television Network
In August 2010, the Miami Dolphins launched their own regional TV network, the Dolphins Television Network, comprising 10 South Florida TV stations. The network broadcasts preseason games and related coverage.
2010: First Loss in Orange Jerseys
In 2010, the Miami Dolphins experienced their first loss while wearing the orange jerseys during a Sunday night matchup with the New York Jets. This marked the end of their winning streak in the orange jerseys, which were then retired from use.
2010: Last Use of Orange Uniform Before 2016
In 2010, the Miami Dolphins last wore an orange uniform before debuting a new Color Rush uniform in 2016.
2011: End of Stadium Sharing with Marlins
In 2011, the Miami Dolphins ended their stadium-sharing arrangement with Major League Baseball's Florida Marlins, who moved to their own ballpark in 2012. This marked the end of an 18-year period during which the two teams shared the venue.
2011: Dolphins Return to White Shoes
In 2011, the Miami Dolphins reverted to wearing white shoes, moving away from the black shoes they had adopted in 2009.
2011: Establishment of Joe Robbie Alumni Plaza Walk of Fame
In 2011, the Joe Robbie Alumni Plaza Walk of Fame was established to honor Miami Dolphins alumni, including those in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Honor Roll. This all-encompassing recognition is located at the north end of Hard Rock Stadium and features a life-size bronze statue of Joe Robbie, the original founder and owner of the team.
2011: Jim Mandich's Death and Replacement by Bob Griese
In 2011, former Dolphins color commentator Jim Mandich passed away, leading to Hall-of-Fame QB Bob Griese taking over his role in the broadcast team.
2012: Final Game in Original Style Uniforms
The Miami Dolphins played their final game in the original style uniforms with block numbers and the iconic leaping dolphin logo on the last game of the 2012 season. The game, a 28-0 shutout loss to the New England Patriots, marked the end of an era for the team's traditional look.
2012: Consistent Logo and Uniforms Until 2012
Until 2012, the Miami Dolphins' logo and uniforms remained fairly consistent since the team's founding. The colors were originally aqua and coral, and the logo featured a leaping dolphin with a football helmet. Over the years, the logo underwent minor adjustments, and the uniforms were adapted for different game conditions.
2013: New Logo and Uniforms Unveiled
Shortly before the 2013 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins unveiled a new logo and uniforms. The updated logo features a stylized aqua dolphin swimming in front of a modified orange sunburst, with a more artistic and vague appearance.
2014: Competitive Win Against Patriots
In 2014, the Miami Dolphins secured a notable win against the New England Patriots, highlighting their continued competitiveness.
2015: Return of 1970s Aqua Uniforms
In 2015, the Miami Dolphins brought back their 1970s aqua uniforms for a few select games as part of a throwback initiative.
2015: Stadium Renovations
In 2015, the Miami Dolphins completed major renovations on Hard Rock Stadium, spending over $400 million and more than two years on the project. Every seat was replaced, and lower-level seats were moved closer to the field, reducing the total number of seats by about 10,000.
2015: Announcement of 50 Greatest Dolphins Players
In 2015, to commemorate the Miami Dolphins' 50th NFL season, the organization announced the results of a vote revealing the 50 greatest players in franchise history. The announcement was made during halftime of a Monday Night Football game between the Dolphins and the Giants.
August 2016: Renaming to Hard Rock Stadium
In August 2016, the Miami Dolphins' stadium was renamed Hard Rock Stadium. This marked the latest in a series of naming rights deals since 1996 for the venue where the Dolphins have played since moving from the Orange Bowl after the 1986 season.
September 29, 2016: Debut of Color Rush Uniform
On September 29, 2016, the Miami Dolphins debuted their new Color Rush uniform in a Thursday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals. The all-orange uniform marked the first time since 2010 that the Dolphins wore an orange uniform. However, the set was retired after that game.
2016: Playoff Appearance
In 2016, the Miami Dolphins made a playoff appearance, continuing their journey in the NFL.
2018: Logo and Uniform Modifications
In 2018, the Miami Dolphins made slight modifications to their logo and uniform set. The shades of orange and aqua were tweaked, and navy blue was removed from the color scheme, remaining only on the logo.
2018: Competitive Win Against Patriots
In 2018, the Miami Dolphins achieved a notable victory against the New England Patriots, continuing their history of competitive play.
2018: Miracle in Miami
In 2018, during the now-famous "Miracle in Miami" play against the New England Patriots, the Miami Dolphins wore their 1970s aqua throwback uniforms.
2019: End of Brady Era
By 2019, Tom Brady's dominance in the AFC East with the New England Patriots was nearing its end, with the Miami Dolphins remaining a significant divisional rival.
2019: Competitive Win Against Patriots
In 2019, the Miami Dolphins secured another notable win against the New England Patriots, maintaining their competitive edge.
2020: Resurgence
In 2020, the Miami Dolphins began to show signs of resurgence, with new leadership and competitive play against division rivals.
2020: Rivalry Sharpens
In 2020, the rivalry between the Miami Dolphins and the Buffalo Bills sharpened, with Tua Tagovailoa leading a resurgent Dolphins team against the Josh Allen-led Bills.
2021: Opening of Baptist Health Training Complex
In 2021, the Miami Dolphins opened a new $135 million training facility, the Baptist Health Training Complex, located next to Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. This state-of-the-art facility represents a significant investment in the team's training infrastructure.
2021: 2021 Comeback Victory by Jaguars
In 2021, the Miami Dolphins played against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London during week 6. Despite the Jaguars struggling under controversial head coach Urban Meyer, they managed a comeback victory, tying the all-time series between the teams at 5-5, though the Jaguars lead 1-0 in the postseason.
2022: Victory Over Bills
In 2022, Tua Tagovailoa led the Miami Dolphins to their first win over the Buffalo Bills in eight games, marking a significant victory in their rivalry.
2022: Recent Playoff Appearance
In 2022, the Miami Dolphins made another playoff appearance, marking their continued efforts to succeed in the NFL.
2023: Radio Coverage Details for 2023 Season
As of the 2023 season, Miami Dolphins games will be broadcast on WINZ (940 AM) and WBGG-FM (105.9 FM), with additional Spanish coverage on WNMA (1210 AM).
2023: Recent Playoff Appearance
In 2023, the Miami Dolphins made another playoff appearance, reflecting recent improvements in their performance.
May 16, 2024: Roster Update
The Miami Dolphins' roster was updated on May 16, 2024.