A History of Miami Dolphins Quarterbacks
The Miami Dolphins have seen a variety of quarterbacks take the field throughout their franchise history. From Hall of Famers to journeymen, the position has been a revolving door at times, with periods of great stability interspersed with years of searching for the right fit.
The Early Years: Griese and Morrall
The early success of the Dolphins was largely built on the shoulders of Bob Griese. Drafted in 1967, Griese led the team to multiple Super Bowl appearances, including the undefeated 1972 season. Miami Dolphins quarterbacks list that Griese appeared in 1967. While his style wasn’t flashy, his leadership and efficiency were undeniable. When Griese was injured in 1972, veteran Earl Morrall stepped in and kept the undefeated season alive, showcasing the depth the Dolphins had at the position.
The Marino Era
Dan Marino arrived in 1983 and revolutionized the passing game. Marino’s quick release, powerful arm, and uncanny accuracy made him an instant star. He shattered passing records and led the Dolphins to Super Bowl XIX, though they ultimately fell short against the San Francisco 49ers. Despite never winning a Super Bowl, Marino is widely considered one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, and his impact on the Dolphins franchise is immeasurable.
Post-Marino Uncertainty
Following Marino’s retirement in 1999, the Dolphins struggled to find a consistent replacement. A series of quarterbacks, including Damon Huard, Jay Fiedler, and A.J. Feeley, had stints as starters, but none could replicate Marino’s success. The Dolphins cycled through coaches and quarterbacks, searching for a winning formula.
Recent Quarterbacks: Tannehill and Tua
Ryan Tannehill was drafted in 2012 with the hope of becoming the franchise’s next long-term answer at quarterback. While Tannehill showed flashes of potential, injuries and inconsistent play ultimately led to his departure. Tua Tagovailoa was drafted in 2020 and is the current starting quarterback. He has shown promise, particularly when paired with a strong supporting cast. His future with the Dolphins remains a topic of discussion.
FAQs About Miami Dolphins Quarterbacks
Who was the Miami Dolphins’ quarterback during their undefeated season?
Bob Griese was the primary quarterback, but Earl Morrall also played a significant role due to Griese’s injury.
How many Super Bowls did Dan Marino win?
Dan Marino never won a Super Bowl.
Who is the Miami Dolphins’ current starting quarterback?
The current starting quarterback is Tua Tagovailoa.
Which quarterback holds most of the Dolphins’ passing records?
Dan Marino holds the vast majority of the Dolphins’ passing records.
When did Dan Marino retire?
Dan Marino retired after the 1999 season.
Summary
The Miami Dolphins have a rich history at the quarterback position, highlighted by the legendary careers of Bob Griese and Dan Marino. While the team has faced periods of instability, they continue to search for their next franchise quarterback to lead them back to Super Bowl contention.
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