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 home games at Hard Rock Stadium and are owned by Stephen M. Ross. As the oldest professional sports team in Florida and one of the first in the southeast, the Dolphins hold a significant place in the region's sports history. Notably, they are the only AFC East team that wasn't a charter member of the AFL.
1946: Miami Seahawks
In 1946, the Miami Seahawks played in the All-America Football Conference, before becoming the Baltimore Colts.
1966: Dolphins Training Camp
During the summer of 1966, the Miami Dolphins held their training camp in St. Pete Beach, with practices at Boca Ciega High School in Gulfport.
1966: Live dolphin at the Orange Bowl
From 1966 to 1968, a live dolphin was situated in a water tank in the Orange Bowl to celebrate touchdowns and field goals.
1966: Denny Sym began cheering for Dolphins
In 1966, Denny Sym cheered on the Miami Dolphins for 33 years.
1966: Joe Robbie Founded Miami Dolphins
In 1966, Joe Robbie founded and owned the Miami Dolphins.
1966: Miami Dolphins debut
In 1966, the Miami Dolphins made their debut using a lighter & brighter orange color.
1967: Dolphin centered on the sunburst
In the 1967 season, the dolphin was centered on the sunburst in the Miami Dolphins logo.
1968: Flipper removed from the Orange Bowl
After 1968, Flipper was removed from the Orange Bowl to save costs.
1968: Reversion to original dolphin placement
Between 1968 and 1973, the Miami Dolphins logo reverted to the original dolphin placement.
1970: Dominance Begins
From 1970, the Shula-led Dolphins emerged as one of the most dominant teams in the NFL.
1970: Training camp at Biscayne College
In 1970, the Miami Dolphins started training in Miami Gardens at Biscayne College, later renamed St. Thomas University.
1972: Perfect Season and Super Bowl Win
In 1972, the Miami Dolphins completed the first perfect season in NFL history with a 14-0 regular-season record and won the Super Bowl.
1972: 1972 Perfect Season
In 1972, the Miami Dolphins had a perfect season going 17-0.
1972: Primary Uniforms for Road Games
Starting with the 1972 perfect season, the Miami Dolphins used these uniforms as the primary uniforms for road games and daytime home games.
1972: Undefeated Regular Season
The Miami Dolphins went 14-0 in the 1972 season, winning the Super Bowl.
1972: Inspiration from music
The fight song would soon serve as a good luck charm for the Miami Dolphins in the 1972 season.
1973: Reversion to original dolphin placement
Between 1968 and 1973, the Miami Dolphins logo reverted to the original dolphin placement.
1974: Dolphin centered on the sunburst
In 1974, the Miami Dolphins logo changed to have the dolphin's body centered on the sunburst.
1978: Miami Dolphins Cheerleaders Debut
In 1978, the Miami Dolphins cheerleaders, known as the Dolphins Starbrites, made their debut.
1982: AFC Championship
In 1982, the Miami Dolphins defeated the New York Jets in the AFC Championship game.
1983: Dan Marino Era Begins
In 1983, quarterback Dan Marino began his career with the Miami Dolphins, becoming one of the most prolific passers in NFL history.
1986: Dolphins moved to Joe Robbie Stadium
After the 1986 season, the Miami Dolphins moved from the Orange Bowl to the new Joe Robbie Stadium.
1989: End of Joe Robbie's Ownership
In 1989, Joe Robbie's ownership of the Miami Dolphins came to an end.
1990: June Taylor's Retirement
In 1990, June Taylor, the founding choreographer of the Miami Dolphins cheerleaders, retired.
1992: 1972 Undefeated Team Enshrined
In 1992, Miami's "1972 Undefeated Team" was enshrined into the Honor Roll on their 20-year anniversary.
1993: End of training camp at Biscayne College
In 1993, the Miami Dolphins stopped training in Miami Gardens at Biscayne College, later renamed St. Thomas University.
1996: Stadium naming rights deals began
In 1996, the venue started having multiple naming rights deals.
1996: Jimmy Johnson Hired
Prior to the 1996 season, Jimmy Johnson was hired to replace Shula as the head coach of the Miami Dolphins. In 1996, Johnson led the team to an 8-8 record.
April 18, 1997: Mascot Introduction
On Friday, April 18, 1997, the first "official" mascot of the Miami Dolphins was introduced.
June 4, 1997: Mascot Name Announced
On June 4, 1997, the winning name for the Miami Dolphins mascot was announced at the annual Dolphins Awards Banquet.
1997: Playoff Appearance
In 1997, Jimmy Johnson led the Miami Dolphins to a 9-7 record and a playoff appearance.
1997: Logo updated
In 1997, the Miami Dolphins logo was updated with a simplified sunburst and a darkened dolphin with a more serious expression. A different block number font was also introduced with navy drop shadows.
1998: Playoff Appearance
In 1998, Jimmy Johnson led the Miami Dolphins to a 10-6 record and a playoff appearance.
1998: First Game
The Miami Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguars first met during the 1998 NFL season.
1999: Dan Marino Retires
After the 1999 season, Dan Marino retired from the Miami Dolphins, having broken numerous league passing records during his career.
1999: Playoff Appearance and Marino's Final Game
In 1999, the Miami Dolphins, led by Jimmy Johnson, went 9-7 and made the playoffs. The Divisional Round game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, in which they lost 62-7, marked Dan Marino's final game.
1999: AFC Divisional Round
The Miami Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguars later met in the 1999 AFC Divisional Round in what would ultimately be the final career game for Dolphins' hall-of-fame quarterback Dan Marino.
2000: Denny Sym's last game
Denny Sym cheered on the Miami Dolphins until 2000.
2000: Dave Wannstedt Hired
Going into the 2000 season, the Dolphins named Dave Wannstedt as head coach. In 2000, Wannstedt led the Miami Dolphins to an 11-5 record and an AFC East title.
2000: Playoff Appearance
In 2000, the Miami Dolphins made a playoff appearance.
2001: Playoff Appearance
In 2001, Dave Wannstedt led the Miami Dolphins to a 11-5 record and a playoff appearance.
2002: Missed Postseason
In 2002, the Miami Dolphins failed to make the postseason despite a 9-7 record.
2003: First Orange Jersey Game
In 2003, the Miami Dolphins first wore an orange jersey on a Sunday night game against Washington, resulting in a win.
2003: Missed Postseason
In 2003, the Miami Dolphins went 10-6 but missed the postseason.
2004: Wannstedt Resigns
Following a 1-8 start to the 2004 season, Dave Wannstedt resigned as head coach of the Miami Dolphins.
2004: Upset Win Against Patriots
In 2004, the 2-11 Miami Dolphins upset the defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots 28-29, handing them their second loss of the season.
2005: Saban's First Season
In 2005, Nick Saban coached the Miami Dolphins and went 9-7.
2006: Saban's Second Season
In 2006, Nick Saban coached the Miami Dolphins and went 6-10.
2006: Domed Field added to Training Facility
In 2006, a domed field was added to the Miami Dolphins training facility to allow practice during thunderstorms.
March 18, 2007: Death of Denny Sym
Denny Sym, a Miami Dolphins fan who cheered on the team from their first game in 1966 until 2000, died on March 18, 2007.
2007: Cameron Hired
Prior to the 2007 season, the Miami Dolphins hired Cam Cameron as head coach. In 2007, the team suffered a franchise-worst 1-15 season.
2007: Undefeated Regular Season
The New England Patriots went 16-0 in the 2007 regular season, but lost the Super Bowl.
2008: Playoff Appearance and Division Title
In 2008, the Miami Dolphins made a playoff appearance and won a division title.
2008: Sparano Hired
Prior to the 2008 season, Tony Sparano was named head coach of the Miami Dolphins. In 2008, Sparano led the team to an 11-5 record and an AFC East title.
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, introduced for the 2009 NFL season.
August 17, 2009: New Fight Song Debut
On August 17, 2009, the Miami Dolphins' new fight song was played during the preseason home opener against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
August 22, 2009: New Fight Song Removed
On August 22, 2009, the Miami Dolphins' new fight song was not played during the second preseason game against the Carolina Panthers after being heavily booed in the first game.
2009: Dolphins switched to black shoes
In 2009, the Miami Dolphins switched to black shoes for the first time since the early 1970s.
2009: Orange Jerseys Win
In 2009, the Miami Dolphins wore the orange jerseys for a Monday night win against the New York Jets.
April 2010: Dolphins start Volunteer Program
In April 2010, the Miami Dolphins started the first Volunteer Program in the NFL, called Special Teams.
August 2010: Dolphins Television Network Launched
In August 2010, the Miami Dolphins launched its own regional TV network to carry preseason games and in-season content.
2010: Last time Dolphins wore an orange uniform
In 2010 was the last time that the Miami Dolphins wore an orange uniform before the debut of the Color Rush uniform in September 29, 2016.
2010: First Loss in Orange Jerseys
In 2010, the Miami Dolphins lost a Sunday night matchup with the Jets, which was their first loss in orange jerseys.
2011: Sparano Fired
After a 4-9 start to the 2011 season, Tony Sparano was fired as head coach of the Miami Dolphins.
2011: Jim Mandich death
After the death of Jim Mandich in 2011, Bob Griese replaced him as color commentator
2011: Joe Robbie Alumni Plaza Walk of Fame Established
In 2011, the Joe Robbie Alumni Plaza Walk of Fame was established to recognize the best of the Miami Dolphins alumni.
2011: Dolphins return to white shoes
In 2011, the Miami Dolphins returned to wearing white shoes.
2012: Philbin Hired
Prior to the 2012 season, the Miami Dolphins hired Joe Philbin as head coach. In 2012, Joe Philbin led the team to a 7-9 record.
2012: Dolphins logo and uniforms consistent until 2012
The Miami Dolphins logo and uniforms remained fairly consistent from the team's founding until 2012.
2012: Final Game in Original Style Uniforms
The Miami Dolphins' final game in the original style uniforms with block numbers and the iconic leaping dolphin logo was the final game of the 2012 season.
2013: Missed Postseason
In 2013, the Miami Dolphins improved to an 8-8 record but still missed the postseason.
2014: Another 8-8 Season
In the 2014 season, the Miami Dolphins once again finished 8-8.
2015: Philbin Fired
After a 1-3 start to the 2015 season, Joe Philbin was fired as head coach of the Miami Dolphins.
2015: Aqua Uniforms Return
In 2015, the Miami Dolphins brought back their 1970s aqua uniforms for a few select games.
2015: First season in the renovated Hard Rock Stadium
The 2015-2016 season marked the first season in the newly renovated Hard Rock Stadium.
August 2016: Hard Rock Stadium naming rights
In August 2016, the stadium became known as Hard Rock Stadium.
September 29, 2016: Color Rush Uniform Debut
On September 29, 2016, the Miami Dolphins debuted their new Color Rush all-orange uniform in a Thursday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
2016: Playoff Appearance
In 2016, the Miami Dolphins made a playoff appearance.
2017: Regression
In the 2017 season, the Miami Dolphins regressed to a 6-10 record.
2018: Logo and Uniform Modifications
In 2018, the Miami Dolphins made slight modifications to the logo and uniform set, tweaking the shades of orange and aqua and removing navy blue from the color scheme except for the logo.
2018: Throwback Uniforms Worn During Miracle in Miami
In 2018, the aqua throwback uniforms were worn during the 'Miracle in Miami' play against the Patriots.
2018: Another Losing Season
In the 2018 season, the Miami Dolphins finished with a 7-9 record.
2019: Flores Hired
Prior to the 2019 season, the Miami Dolphins hired Brian Flores as head coach. He led the team to a 5-11 record in 2019.
2019: End of Patriots Dominance
The Patriots dominance of the AFC East ended in 2019.
2020: Improved Record
In the 2020 season, the Miami Dolphins improved to a 10-6 record but still missed the postseason.
2020: Tagovailoa Drafted
In the 2020s, the rivalry between the Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills intensified again, with Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, drafted in 2020, leading a resurgent Dolphins team against the Josh Allen-led Bills.
2021: Jaguars Upset Victory
In 2021, the Jacksonville Jaguars managed an improbable upset victory against the Miami Dolphins in London.
2021: Baptist Health Training Complex Opens
In 2021, the Miami Dolphins opened a new $135 million training facility, named the Baptist Health Training Complex, next to Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
2021: Losing Season
In the 2021 season, the Miami Dolphins went 9-8 but missed the postseason.
2022: First Win Against Bills in 8 Games
In 2022, Tua Tagovailoa led the Miami Dolphins to their first win over the Buffalo Bills in 8 games.
2022: Playoff Appearance
In 2022, the Miami Dolphins made a playoff appearance.
2022: McDaniel Hired
Prior to the 2022 season, Mike McDaniel was hired as head coach of the Miami Dolphins. In 2022, the team finished with a 9-8 record and lost in the Wild Card Round.
2023: Radio Coverage
As of the 2023 NFL season, radio coverage is carried WINZ (940 AM) and WBGG-FM (105.9 FM)
2023: Chiefs lead the all-time series
As of the 2023 NFL season, the Kansas City Chiefs lead the all-time series against the Miami Dolphins with a score of 17-16.
2023: Raiders lead all-time series against Dolphins
As of the 2023 NFL season, the Las Vegas Raiders lead the all-time series against the Miami Dolphins with a score of 21-20-1.
2023: Improved Record and Playoff Loss
In the 2023 season, the Miami Dolphins improved to an 11-6 record but lost in the Wild Card Round.
December 2024: Sale of Dolphins Franchise Equity
In December 2024, the Miami Dolphins, under owner Stephen M. Ross, sold 13% of their franchise at an $8.1 billion valuation, with 10% going to Ares Management.
2024: Dolphins lead all-time series against the Baltimore Colts
As of 2024, the Miami Dolphins lead the all-time series against the Baltimore Colts with a score of 48-29.
2024: All-Time Series Lead
As of the 2024 season, the Miami Dolphins lead the all-time series against the Buffalo Bills 62-60-1.
2024: Missed Playoffs
The Miami Dolphins finished with an 8-9 record in 2024, missing the playoffs.
