Miami Dolphins History

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Miami Dolphins History 1966: With the upstart AFL starting to catch on AFL owners and Commissioner Joe Foss decided it was time for expansion. Seeing the opportunity to make foothold on touched ground Miami is chosen to begin play in 1966: The team which is owned by Joe Robbie and Television Star Danny Thomas chooses the name Dolphins in a name the team contest. On September 2nd in front of crowd of 26,776 at the Orange Bowl the Dolphins get off to a fast start in their 1st regular season game when Joe Auer returns the opening kickoff 95 yards for a Touch Down;. However, the Dolphins would lose the game 23-14 to the Oakland Raiders. The Dolphins would not win their 1st game until October 16th against the Denver Broncos the highlight of the 24-7 victory was 24-7 QB George Wilson, Jr's screen pass to Billy Joe, which turned into a 67-yard TD. The Dolphins would not enjoy much success that first year finishing with a woeful 3-11 record. 1967: In the first common draft the Dolphins select Purdue QB Bob Griese with the 4th overall pick. Griese would see action almost right away when QB John Stofa breaks his ankle in the September 17th season opener against the Broncos. Griese would come on and lead the Phins to a 35-21 victory. However, winning still eluded the new franchise which finished 4-10. 1968: In the draft the Dolphins select Syracuse All-American Larry Csonka with the 8th overall pick. The Dolphins improve to 5-8-1 as Bob Griese sets then-club records with 2,473 yards, 186 completions and 21 TDs. 1969: The Dolphins make a splash by acquiring 2 future Hall of Famers in 2 separate deals. 1st they acquire LB Nick Buoniconti from the Boston Patriots, and a few months alter they acquire Guard Larry Little from the San Diego Chargers. Despite the moves the Dolphins experience injury and frustration as Bob Griese misses part of the season due to a knee
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