The 1970s stand as a golden era in the history of the Miami Dolphins, a decade defined by unparalleled success, including the NFL's only perfect season and back-to-back Super Bowl championships. Under the leadership of head coach Don Shula and the stellar play of quarterback Bob Griese, among others, the Dolphins transformed from a relatively new expansion team into a dominant force in professional football. This period cemented the franchise's legacy,
establishing a benchmark for excellence that remains celebrated to this day. The team's achievements during these years captivated fans and showcased a remarkable blend of talent, strategy, and resilience, making the Miami Dolphins synonymous with winning.
Early Success and First Super Bowl Appearance
The foundation for the Dolphins' 1970s dominance began to solidify in 1970, the same year they officially joined the National Football League. Under the guidance of head coach Don Shula, the team achieved its first winning season and secured its first playoff berth. This marked a significant turning point for the franchise, demonstrating their potential to compete at the highest level. The momentum continued into the 1971 season, where the Dolphins made their inaugural Super Bowl appearance. Although they ultimately lost to the Dallas Cowboys with a score of 24–3, reaching the championship game so early in their NFL tenure was a testament to the rapid development and talent within the team. This experience, though ending in defeat, provided invaluable lessons and fueled their determination for future seasons.
The Perfect Season of 1972
The pinnacle of the Dolphins' success arrived in 1972 with their historic undefeated season. This remarkable achievement saw the team win every single game, culminating in a 17–0 record, a feat unmatched in NFL history. The season was not without its challenges, however. Starting quarterback Bob Griese led the team to five consecutive victories before suffering an injury against the San Diego Chargers. In his absence, veteran quarterback Earl Morrall stepped in, starting and winning the remaining nine regular-season games. Morrall's exceptional performance earned him the NFL's inaugural Comeback Player of the Year Award, highlighting his crucial role in maintaining the team's perfect record. Griese made a triumphant return to start Super Bowl VII, where the Dolphins defeated the Washington Redskins 14–7, completing their flawless season and securing their first Super Bowl title.
Back-to-Back Championships
Building on the momentum of their perfect season, the Miami Dolphins continued their reign in 1973. Bob Griese, now fully recovered, started 13 regular-season games and once again led the team to the Super Bowl. This marked their third consecutive appearance in the championship game, a first in NFL history. The Dolphins proved their dominance by securing their second consecutive Super Bowl victory in Super Bowl VIII. This back-to-back triumph further solidified their status as one of the greatest teams of their era and etched their name into the annals of professional football history. The consistent success demonstrated the depth of talent, strategic prowess, and unwavering determination that characterized the Miami Dolphins throughout the early 1970s.
The Legacy of a Quarterback
Central to the Dolphins' success in the 1970s was quarterback Bob Griese. Over his 13 seasons with the team, Griese played a pivotal role, leading the Dolphins to their most significant achievements. He became the first Miami Dolphins quarterback to start all of the season's games in 1970, the same year the team achieved its first winning season. Throughout his career, Griese was recognized for his excellence, playing in six Pro Bowls and two all-star games. He was also named the Dolphins' Most Valuable Player six times and earned All-Pro honors in both 1971 and 1977. His leadership and skill were instrumental in the team's remarkable winning percentage during the 1970s, which was the highest in all of professional sports during that decade. Griese's profound impact on the franchise was further acknowledged with his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990, cementing his legacy as a Dolphins legend.
