The Pro Football Hall of Fame will hold their 2026 enshrinement ceremony on Saturday, adding five members to the ultimate individual honor given to a player, coach, or contributor. Quarterback Drew Brees, running back Roger Craig, wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald, linebacker Luke Kuechly, and kicker Adam Vinatieri will be presented their gold jackets and have their bronze busts revealed before they are emplaced into the Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio, making them official members of the game’s immortals.
Who should be next for the Dolphins? There are a few names who probably should be in the Hall of Fame, a few who could flirt with consideration, and my personal dark horse who I think should land in Canton at some point, but probably never will.
Miami Dolphins Hall of Famers
The Miami Dolphins have 11 players or coaches who became legends with the team and earned a spot in Canton.
- Nick Buoniconti, linebacker – 1969-1974, 1976
- Larry Csonka, fullback – 1968-1974, 1979
- Bob Griese, quarterback – 1967-1980
- Jim Langer, center – 1970-1979
- Larry Little, guard – 1969-1980
- Dan Marino, quarterback – 1983-1999
- Don Shula, head coach – 1970-1995
- Dwight Stephenson, center – 1980-1987
- Jason Taylor, defensive end – 1997-2007, 2009, 2011
- Zach Thomas, linebacker – 1996-2007
- Paul Warfield, wide receiver – 1970-1974
In addition to the Dolphins’ legends above, there are several other members of the team, either as players, coaches, or executives, who have made it to the Hall of Fame, but are probably better known for their time with another franchise. They include:
- Bobby Beathard – Washington GM (Dolphins Director of Player Personnel 1972-1977)
- Cris Carter – Minnesota Vikings wide receiver (Dolphins wide receiver 2002)
- Jimmy Johnson – Dallas Cowboys Head Coach (Dolphins Head coach 1996-1999)
- Bill Parcells – New York Giants/New England Patriots/New York Jets/Dallas Cowboys Head Coach (Dolphins Executive Vice President of Football Operations 2008-2010)
- Junior Seau – San Diego Chargers linebacker (Dolphins linebacker 2003-2005)
- Thurman Thomas – Buffalo Bills running back (Dolphins running back 2000)
- George Young – New York Giants GM / NFL Senior VP of Football Operations (Dolphins Director of Personnel and Pro Scouting 1975 – 1978)
Who should be Miami’s next Hall of Famer?
Taking a look at players, coaches, and executives who made their major contributions in the game while they were with the Dolphins, there are four names who could be considered snubs for enshrinement.
Richmond Webb, tackle (Miami Dolphins 1990-2000, Cincinnati Bengals 2001-2002)
Webb’s biggest hurdle in making the Hall of Fame is probably the era in which he played. Not because of any changes the NFL has made, but because he is was the blind side protector for Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino – whose quick release was a highlight of his game, but can be used against Webb. That said, Webb was a four-time All-Pro selection (two first team, two second team) and seven-time Pro Bowl selection. He was named to the NFL All-Decade Team for the 1990s, and is the only tackle from the team who has not been inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Webb played 184 games in the NFL, including his final two years when he played with the Cincinnati Bengals, starting all but one contest. He went toe-to-toe with Hall of Fame defensive end Bruce Smith twice a year every year in the Dolphins and Bills rivalry – making an edge rusher versus a left tackle a must watch matchup. Smith’s 0.61 sacks per game average against the Dolphins – and Webb – was the lowest of his career against any team he saw twice a season.
Webb was a semi-finalist for the Hall of Fame in 2025 and 2026
Mark Clayton, wide receiver (Miami Dolphins 1983-1992, Green Bay Packers 1993)
Like Webb, Clayton may be stuck on the wrong side of Canton’s cut line simply because he played with Marino. A five-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time NFL touchdown pass leader, Clayton – as well as his fellow Dolphins receiver Mark Duper – was integral to Marino’s success as a passer and the Dolphins’ success on offense. He caught 582 passes during his career, including the 32 he caught in his final season with the Packers, and he tallied 8,974 yards with 84 touchdowns in 158 career games.
His 84 touchdown catches ranks 23rd all time, with 16 of those ahead of him already inducted and four either currently active or recently retired and likely to be inducted once eligible. He is tied with Hall of Fame receiver Fred Biletnikoff for 76th all time in receiving yards.
Clayton has moved past his eligibility for the modern era vote process, so if he were to ever receive his gold jacket, it would have to come from the senior committee’s consideration.
Bob Kuechenberg, offensive line (Miami Dolphins 1970-1984)
The road for Kuechenberg to claim a spot in Canton seems like a steep, uphill climb. Despite played for 15 seasons, primarily at left guard, there seems to be an idea that the 1972 Dolphins undefeated team is already over-represented in the Hall of Fame, especially with Langer and Little representing the linemen from that era. Somehow being one of the best in a group of elite linemen has hurt the argument for Kuechenberg.
Kuechenberg played 194 games for the Dolphins, holding the franchise record for more than a decade until Marino surpassed him. As an offensive lineman, he missed just five games from 1970 through 1983. He was a six-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time First-Team All-Pro selection with another All-Pro selection to the Second-Team.
He was a finalist for the Hall of Fame eight times, but never made it through the final round of voting. Like Clayton, it would be up to the senior committee to add Kuechenberg to the Hall of Fame.
Bills Arnsparger, coach (Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator 1970-1973, 1976-1983; New York Giants head coach 1974-1976)
If there is any coach who should be in the Hall of Fame for his work as an assistant, it is Arnsparger. When Don Shula was named the head coach of the Dolphins, he brought along Arnsparger, promoting him from the Baltimore Colts’ defensive linemen coach to the Dolphins’ defensive coordinator. Two years later, Miami was in the Super Bowl, then returned for two championships, in large part thanks to Arnsparger’s system leading to the “No Name Defense.”
After an unsuccessful stint as the head coach of the Giants, Arnsparger returned to the Dolphins and once again built a dominating defense. This time, the “Killer B” defense would lead Miami back to the Super Bowl, though they could not come away with the title. He left the Dolphins after the 1983 season to become the head coach at LSU, then became the athletic director at Florida until 1992 when he returned to the NFL as the San Diego Chargers’ defensive coordinator. The Chargers made a run to the Super Bowl in 1994 – played in Miami – with Arnsparger’s defense, though they did not win.
He retired after the Super Bowl due to cancer issues.
The Hall of Fame keeps considering Arnsparger, including for the 2026 class, but he did not make it to the semifinalist round.
Hall of Fame bubble watch
These players are probably not destined to land in Canton, but they had really good careers and could be that bubble player that hangs around for a while.
- Mark Duper, wide receiver
- Sam Madison, cornerback
- Patrick Surtain, cornerback
- Cameron Wake, edge
- Ricky Williams, running back
Of that list, Wake could eventually find the momentum to become a strong candidate. Wake played 11 seasons, 10 with the Dolphins. After going undrafted in 2005 and a brief, pre-training camp stint as a linebacker with the New York Giants, Wake moved to the Canadian Football League in 2007 and switched to defensive end. A star was born, and the Dolphins made sure to land him in 2009 – ultimately seeing him become a one-time First-Team All-Pro, three-time Second-Team All-Pro, and five-time Pro Bowl selection. You can also add in his CFL accomplishments – and given this is the Pro Football Hall of Fame and not the NFL Hall of Fame, those stats should be considered (see Warren Moon) – which include Defensive Rookie of the Year, two CFL Most Outstanding Defensive Player awards (including being the only player to receive the Rookie of the Year and Most Outstanding Player awards in the same season), and being named to the CFL’s All-Decade Team for the 2000s, despite only playing two seasons. His 100.5 career sacks are officially 42nd all time (62nd unofficially), which is why he is on the bubble on this list, but he has another 39 sacks in the CFL and could have an argument for consideration.
Dark Horse / Personal Favorite
If you have been around The Phinsider for a good amount of time, you may already know who I would love to see land in the Hall of Fame, but do not think it will actually happen. In 2014, after Ray Guy was enshrined as the first (and only) punter to make it into Canton, I turned to Dolphins punting legend Reggie Roby. I believe he should be a consideration, but it does not seem like it will ever happen.
Roby played 16 years in the NFL, including 10 with the Dolphins. He was a three-time Pro Bowl selection, and a two-time First-team All Pro. In 238 career games, he punted 992 times for 42,951 yards, giving him a 43.3 yards per punt average – including a ridiculous 77-yard punt in 1987. He led the league with a 45.7 yards per punt average in 1991 and was in the top ten in the league in punting average 13 times and in the top five eight times.
In comparison to Guy, Roby stakes up favorably. Guy played 14 seasons while Roby was on the field for 16. Guy laps Roby in Pro Bowl selections seven to three, but the gap closes with First-Team All-Pro selections, where Guy leads three to two. Guy’s 42.4 yards per punt average trails Roby’s 43.3 and Guy’s longest punt was 74 yards. Guy had just three kicks blocked during his career, while Roby had five.
Roby and Guy were both weapons on the field, changing field position seemingly at will. Both players could coffin-corner the ball with ease, placing it inside the 20 and pinning back opposing offenses.
I know Roby will never get the recognition he probably deserves, but I do believe he should be in the Hall of Fame as one of the best punters to ever play the game.
Is there a current player who could make the Hall of Fame for the Dolphins?
The Dolphins are entering a rebuild phase, tearing the roster down to the studs and building around them with younger players. It is a reset of the franchise that was needed as they move from the Chris Grier and Mike McDaniel era to the new team of general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan and head coach Jeff Hafley. The roster turnover this year makes identifying potential future Hall of Fame players a little more difficult, but there are two names that jump out.
Running back De’Von Achane is the most-likely candidate for landing in Canton one day. Entering his fourth year, Achane is set to be the focal point of the Miami offense. He has already amassed 3,057 rushing yards, including 1,350 last season, with 22 touchdowns. He has also proven to be a receiving threat, with 172 receptions for 1,277 yards and 13 touchdowns. His 5.6 yards per rush average would rank him fifth all-time if he qualified with 750 career carries (currently at 544) – and three of the four ahead of him are quarterbacks. Achane has a chance to be a special running back in the league and potentially blossom into one of the greatest ever.
Center Aaron Brewer broke out last year, his second in Miami after four years with the Tennessee Titans. It might be a little late in his career to put him on a track destined for the Hall of Fame, but he could force his way into consideration if he is able to back up last year’s performance with a few more seasons like that. He was named Second-Team All-Pro and was a finalist for the NFL’s new Protector of the Year award for linemen, while playing for a Dolphins team that fell apart and led to a complete franchise turnover. If Brewer can anchor the offensive line as the team rebuilds, there is no reason to think he will not continue to be recognized by the league – and potentially build himself into a Hall of Fame candidate.
Your thoughts?
Who do you think should be in the Hall of Fame for the Dolphins? Did I forget someone who needs to be recognized? Do you think Achane and Brewer could make it to Canton? Is there someone else on the roster who might be on that path?
Head to the comments to discuss your thoughts on the Dolphins and the Hall of Fame.
