This Eastern Division team is part of the American Football Conference in the National Football League. The team began in 1966 under the American Football League through the expansion process and has been located in Miami since its inception. Miami is one of the most populous metropolitan areas in Florida and the largest in South Florida. Today, the Dolphins are Florida’s oldest major league sports franchise and the pride of many Floridians across the state. Although the team was originally owned completely by Joe Robbie, it is now shared by many investors including such famous celebrities as Gloria and Emilio Estefan, Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, and tennis stars, the Williams sisters.

Under the lead of head coach, Don Shula, the Dolphins made their first Super Bowl appearance in 1971 against the Dallas Cowboys. The team may have been defeated, but the season of 1972 was a new hope and is still one of the most memorable seasons of NFL history. The season of 1972 produced the NFL’s first team, the Miami Dolphins, to accomplish the incredible phenomenon of a perfect season including the win of Super Bowl VII. The next season, the Dolphins made it to Super Bowl VIII becoming the first team to appear three times consecutively in a Super Bowl. The team was at its prime, and the results were astounding. Six NFL Hall of Fame members were part of the Miami Dolphins during the 1970s. Success continued in the 80’s and 90’s with distinct quarterback, Dan Marino. T.D., the dolphin, is the official mascot of the Miami Dolphins and has been used since 1997. There’s is nothing like spending a day at a Dolphins’ game, soaking up the rays in the Sunshine State.