NFL Team Guide
Miami Dolphins: History, Super Bowls & Facts
The Miami Dolphins joined the American Football League as an expansion team in 1966. They won Super Bowls after the 1972 and 1973 seasons, and their 1972 team finished 17–0.
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Updated live from ESPN.
Quick facts
| Founded | 1965 (franchise granted); first season 1966 in the AFL |
|---|---|
| Founders | Joe Robbie and Danny Thomas |
| Super Bowl titles | 2 (VII, 1972 season; VIII, 1973 season) |
| AFC championships | 5 through the 2025 season (1971, 1972, 1973, 1982, 1984) |
| Stadium | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens (opened 1987 as Joe Robbie Stadium) |
Super Bowl history
The Dolphins won back-to-back Super Bowls after the 1972 and 1973 seasons. They played in five Super Bowls between the 1971 and 1984 seasons.
- Super Bowl VI (1971 season): lost to the Dallas Cowboys 24–3
- Super Bowl VII (1972 season): beat the Washington Redskins 14–7 to finish 17–0
- Super Bowl VIII (1973 season): beat the Minnesota Vikings 24–7
- Super Bowl XVII (1982 season): lost to the Washington Redskins 27–17
- Super Bowl XIX (1984 season): lost to the San Francisco 49ers 38–16
Franchise history
- 1966: Began play in the AFL at the Orange Bowl.
- 1970: Joined the NFL in the AFL–NFL merger and hired head coach Don Shula.
- 1972: Went 14–0 in the regular season and won Super Bowl VII for a 17–0 season.
- 1973: Won Super Bowl VIII.
- 1983: Drafted quarterback Dan Marino.
- 1987: Moved to Joe Robbie Stadium, renamed Hard Rock Stadium in 2016.
- 1995: Shula coached his 26th and final season in Miami.
Franchise record holders
| Passing yards | Dan Marino, 61,361 (1983–1999) |
|---|---|
| Rushing yards | Larry Csonka, 6,737 (1968–1974, 1979) |
| Receptions | Mark Clayton, 550 (1983–1992) |
Retired numbers
- 12Bob Griese
- 13Dan Marino
- 39Larry Csonka
Hall of Famers
Don Shula, Bob Griese, Larry Csonka, Paul Warfield, Nick Buoniconti, Larry Little, Jim Langer, Dwight Stephenson, Dan Marino, Jason Taylor, Zach Thomas.
Biggest rivalries
- New York Jets: AFC East rivals; Miami won the 1982 AFC Championship Game between them 14–0.
- Buffalo Bills: division rivals since both played in the AFL East in 1966.
- New England Patriots: AFC East rivals dating to the AFL years.
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What was the Dolphins' perfect season?
In 1972 Miami went 14–0 in the regular season and won three playoff games, including Super Bowl VII, to finish 17–0. As of 2026 it is the only perfect season in NFL history that ended with a Super Bowl win.
How many Super Bowls have the Dolphins won?
Two: Super Bowl VII (1972 season) and Super Bowl VIII (1973 season).
Who founded the Miami Dolphins?
Attorney Joe Robbie and actor Danny Thomas were awarded the AFL expansion franchise in 1965.
What numbers have the Dolphins retired?
As of 2026: 12 (Bob Griese), 13 (Dan Marino) and 39 (Larry Csonka).
Where did the Dolphins play before Hard Rock Stadium?
At the Miami Orange Bowl, from 1966 through 1986.
Sources
Facts checked September 23, 2026. Live figures above come from ESPN.