Interfuse

Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins have long stood as a symbol of innovation, resilience, and excellence in the National Football League (NFL). Founded in the mid-1960s during the AFL’s expansion era, the Dolphins hold the distinction of being the first major professional sports team in Florida. With a storied history that includes the NFL’s only perfect season and a legacy of Hall of Fame talent, the Dolphins have become an enduring part of the football landscape.

Origins of the Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins were founded in 1965 by attorney Joe Robbie and actor Danny Thomas, and they began play in 1966 as an expansion franchise in the American Football League (AFL). At the time, the AFL was competing with the NFL and sought to establish a presence in the Southeastern United States. Miami, known for its growing population and cultural influence, was a natural fit.

Following the AFL-NFL merger in 1970, the Dolphins joined the American Football Conference (AFC) East division. The team initially struggled in its early years, but the arrival of head coach Don Shula in 1970 signaled the start of a golden era. [1]

How the Dolphins' Name Was Selected

The name “Dolphins” was chosen through a public contest that received almost 20,000 thousand of submissions. “Dolphins” was selected because of the animal's intelligence, grace, and strong association with the ocean, fitting Miami’s coastal identity. The name resonated with the public and has remained unchanged since the team’s inception. During the contest, the name “Dolphins” was submitted 622 times.

This aquatic theme helped establish a clear and unique brand identity for the franchise, one that aligned with Florida’s oceanic surroundings and its broader tourism-based culture.

Selection of the Team Colors and Logo

The Miami Dolphins' original team colors—aqua, coral, and white—were selected to represent the vibrant, tropical feel of South Florida. These bright hues helped set the Dolphins apart from other NFL teams, evoking the sunny beaches and lively spirit of the Miami area.

The team’s first logo featured a leaping dolphin wearing a football helmet, jumping in front of a sunburst. Over the decades, the logo has been modernized several times, most recently in 2013, while retaining its distinctive aquatic theme. The updated design features a sleeker dolphin silhouette without a helmet, but still maintains the essence of the team’s identity. Since the modern redesign, the official team colors of the Miami Dolphins has been- Aqua, orange, white, and marine blue. [2]

Home Stadiums of the Miami Dolphins

Since their debut in 1966, the Dolphins have called multiple stadiums home. Here is a chronological overview:

  1. Miami Orange Bowl (1966–1986) – Located in the heart of Miami, the Orange Bowl was the original home of the Dolphins and the site of many historic games, including playoff runs in the 1970s.
  2. Joe Robbie Stadium (1987–1995) – Built under the vision of team owner Joe Robbie, this state-of-the-art venue marked a new era for the franchise. It has since undergone multiple name changes.
  3. Pro Player Stadium / Dolphin Stadium / Sun Life Stadium / Hard Rock Stadium (1996–Present) – Though the name has changed over time due to sponsorship deals, the location has remained the same. Known today as Hard Rock Stadium, the venue has hosted multiple Super Bowls and major sporting events. Extensive renovations have kept it modern and competitive with newer stadiums around the league. [3]

Miami Dolphins Championship Years

The Dolphins have enjoyed several periods of dominance, most notably in the 1970s under Hall of Fame coach Don Shula. Their most iconic achievement came during the 1972 season, which remains unmatched in NFL history.

Super Bowl Championships

  1. Super Bowl VII (1972 Season) – The Dolphins completed the NFL’s only perfect season, finishing 17-0 with a 14-7 win over the Washington Redskins. The team’s dominant defense, known as the “No-Name Defense,” was instrumental in this legendary campaign.
  2. Super Bowl VIII (1973 Season) – Miami captured back-to-back titles by defeating the Minnesota Vikings 24-7. The team’s dominant running game, led by Larry Csonka, powered their offense.

Additional Notable Achievements

  • Super Bowl Appearances: The Dolphins have appeared in five Super Bowls (VI, VII, VIII, XVII, XIX).
  • Undefeated Season: Their 1972 campaign remains the only perfect season in NFL history (regular season and playoffs).
  • Hall of Fame Legends: Don Shula, Bob Griese, Larry Csonka, Dan Marino, Jason Taylor, and others that have defined the franchise. In all there are 17 Dolphins enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame entering the  2025 NFL season.

The Legacy of the Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins' legacy is anchored by innovation, excellence, and resilience. Under the leadership of Don Shula, the winningest coach in NFL history, Miami became one of the most successful franchises of the 1970s. The team later enjoyed another defining era in the 1980s and 1990s with quarterback Dan Marino, whose record-setting arm revolutionized the passing game.

Though the franchise has experienced ups and downs in the modern era, the Dolphins continue to build toward a championship future. Recent seasons have seen a promising turnaround, bolstered by strong draft classes and dynamic players like quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and wide receiver Tyreek Hill.

The Dolphins also enjoy one of the most passionate fanbases in the league and a long-standing rivalry with AFC East foes such as the New England Patriots, New York Jets, and Buffalo Bills.

Related-topics

References

  1. Miami Dolphins [ Miami Dolphins Team ] July 8, 2025
  2. NFL [ Miami Dolphins New Uniforms Unveiled ] July 8, 2025
  3. Hard Rock Stadium [ Miami Dolphins Stadium History ] July 8, 2025

Contributors

Last Modified: July 15, 2025