The Miami Dolphins football franchise began in 1966. Soon after joining the National Football League (NFL), the Miami established itself as a perennial championship contender. Following a 24-3 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl VI, the Dolphins became back to back Super Bowl champions in 1972 and 1973, defeating the Minnesota Vikings and Washington Redskins, respectively. The Dolphins allowed only 14 combined points in their victories.
The Dolphins appeared in the Super Bowl for a fourth time following a shortened 1982 season, but fell to the Redskins after leading 17-10 at halftime. Just two seasons later, the Dolphins returned to the Super Bowl under the leadership of second year quarterback Dan Marino. Marino won 14 regular season games for the Dolphins that year, but the San Francisco 49ers managed to limit Miami to just 16 points in a Super Bowl XIX win. Marino led Miami to nine winning seasons following his 1984 Super Bowl effort, but could not advance beyond the conference championship.
