Miami Dolphins Football
Miami Dolphins Football (Photo by fifg on Shutterstock)
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Best Dolphins Players Of All Time: Top 5 Legendary Miami Athletes, According To Fans

October 16, 2023
by Matthew Sherdan

The Miami Dolphins are one of the most beloved teams in the National Football League (NFL). Their 1972 lineup is the only NFL team to ever go undefeated throughout an entire season, straight through to the Super Bowl, a perfect 17-0. Undoubtedly, there have been some legendary athletes in the franchise over the years, but only a few can be called the best Dolphins players of all time. 

Speaking of players coming up through the ranks with an organization, a recent study says fans prefer championship teams composed of homegrown talent as opposed to teams stacked with pricey free agents. Researchers at the University of Kansas surveyed 1,500 Americans. They found that sports fans prefer championship teams composed of drafted or ‘homegrown’ players as opposed to teams with rosters built with expensive free-agent players. Apparently, sports fans appreciate the hard work and dedication it takes to build a championship team from the ground up. 

While we’re on the topic of serious fandom, another study found that the average sports fan is willing to travel and spend big money just to see their favorite team play in person. A survey of 2,000 self-identified sports fanatics examined the lengths people are willing to go to in order to watch their favorite sports team play in person. The survey found that the average fan is willing to travel a whopping five hours and 48 minutes plus spend $762.20 on tickets just to see their favorite team play live. Sounds like a great way to spend a vacation in Miami and watch the Dolphins play at Hard Rock Stadium at the same time. 

So, which legends deserve to be called the greatest in franchise history? StudyFinds did some digging, consulting 10 sports and football-oriented websites in an effort to bring you a list of the best Dolphins players of all time. Our list comprises the five most frequently listed players from across these sites. Think your favorite Dolphin was left off? Feel free to let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!  

Miami Dolphins playing offense
“Miami Dolphins offense” by San Diego Shooter is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0.

The List: Best Dolphins Players, According to Sports Experts

1. Dan Marino

Easily topping the list of the best players in Dolphins franchise history is legendary quarterback Dan Marino. Marino is widely regarded as one of the very best quarterbacks to ever play the game of football, and he’s the greatest player the Miami Dolphins have ever had. 

“Dan ‘The Man’ Marino is undoubtedly the greatest Dolphin of all time. Marino was the 27th overall pick in the 1983 NFL Draft. He was selected after other great quarterbacks such as John Elway and Jim Kelly. It wouldn’t take the Dolphins, or the rest of the league, long to realize that it was a mistake not to nab Marino with the No. 1 pick. He took over as the starter in week six of his rookie season, leading the Dolphins to a 12–4 record,” explains Sports Illustrated. 

Marino was drafted out of the University of Pittsburgh where he had a stellar college career. He was born and raised in Pittsburgh, attended Catholic high school, and eventually went on to play for the University of Pittsburgh. Marino was drafted 27th overall by legendary Dolphins head coach Don Shula and the rest is history. 

“Dan Marino is, without a doubt, the most celebrated player in Miami Dolphins history. As a quarterback, he redefined the position with his quick release, pinpoint accuracy, and exceptional arm strength. Marino’s 17-year career saw him break numerous passing records, earning nine Pro Bowl selections, an NFL MVP award (1984), and being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2005. Though he never won a Super Bowl, Marino’s individual accomplishments and contributions to the game remain unparalleled,” adds Phin Phanatic. 

Marino made it to one Super Bowl where he squared off against San Francisco and their legendary quarterback, Joe Montana. Montana came out on top and Marino never made it back to another Super Bowl game. Although Marino never delivered a championship to the city of Miami, he’s widely regarded as one of the greatest to ever play his position. 

“Marino is the greatest player to don the Dolphins’ aqua blue. His 1984 season is the most impressive quarterbacking season ever. Despite never winning a Super Bowl in his career, he’s remained relatively free of criticism for not getting the job done. His career performance outweighs team success. Marino was surprisingly only a three-time All-Pro, but he led the league in many statistical categories throughout his career. He was evidence of what the modern game would turn into and is one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time,” furthers Pro Football Network. 

2. Jason Taylor 

Next up on the list of the best Dolphins players of all time is none other than Hall of Fame pass rusher, Jason Taylor. He played nearly his entire career with the Miami Dolphins and he’s undoubtedly one of the greatest defensive ends in NFL history. 

“Jason Taylor, a third-round draft pick in 1997, became one of the most feared defensive players in the NFL during his time with the Dolphins. Known for his exceptional speed and pass-rushing ability, Taylor quickly established himself as a dominant force on the defensive line. Taylor’s accolades include 6 Pro Bowl selections, 4 All-Pro honors, and the 2006 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. He finished his career with 139.5 sacks, 8 interceptions, and an astounding 46 forced fumbles. Taylor was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017,” writes Dolphins Talk. 

Taylor played his college football for the University of Akron, in Ohio. During his college career, Taylor recorded a school record 21 sacks. However, no one could have predicted Taylor would go on to have such a dominant professional career. 

“Taylor was considered to be a solid player in his first three seasons, but he broke out in 2000 with a First Team All-Pro and the beginning of what would be six Pro Bowls. He had 14.5 Sacks that year and a career-high 19 in Approximate Value. Taylor built on that with five more ten-sack years, including a league-leading 18.5 in 2002, which coincided with his second First-Team All-Pro selection. The Defensive End was a First Teamer again in 2006, which would see him cause a whopping nine Forced Fumbles. That year, Taylor would be named the AP Defensive Player of the Year. The season after was his sixth Pro Bowl year, and he was also chosen as the Walter Payton Man of the Year, a testament to his charitable nature,” explains Not in Hall of Fame. 

So, to recap, not only is Taylor one of the greatest players in Dolphins history, but he’s also one of the best humanitarians the organization has ever employed. Did we mention he’s also extremely good-looking? No matter how you slice it, Taylor was one of the best Dolphins of all time. However, the team wasn’t always good while he was playing, and Taylor experienced his fair share of disappointing seasons in South Beach.   

“The Dolphins had plenty of poor seasons with Taylor on the roster, but not at first. Miami made the postseason during Taylor’s first five years in the league… Beginning in 2002, it all went downhill. The Dolphins made the postseason just one more time during Taylor’s tenure, but that did not stop him from dominating. In 2002, Taylor led the league with 18.5 sacks. Taylor went for 10 or more sacks six times throughout his career. He was one of the bright spots in 2007 during Miami’s 1-15 season,” adds Clutch Points. 

3. Larry Csonka

The third spot on the list of the best players in Miami Dolphins franchise history belongs to the legendary Larry Csonka. He played fullback for the Dolphins during the ‘70s, but he was used much differently than fullbacks of today who are primarily utilized for run blocking, if at all. Csonka was a bruising runner who had no problem leveling defenders on his way to the end zone. 

“Larry Csonka was the eighth overall pick in the 1968 NFL Draft and helped the Dolphins be a standout rushing team in the early 1970s. Csonka was a big body and lined up anywhere in the backfield. In the 1970 season, Csonka rushed for 874 yards and six touchdowns, which helped him earn his first Pro Bowl selection. The running back would go on to make the Pro Bowl in each of the following four seasons,” writes Rookie Road. 

Csonka helped spearhead the Dolphins’ rushing attack that featured three stellar running backs. Csonka, Jim Kiick, and Mercury Morris all contributed to the Dolphins’ rushing attack during the early ‘70s. 

“In addition to being one of the greatest Dolphins players of all time, Csonka was the leading rusher on an incredibly run-heavy squad that went to three straight Super Bowls and won two. The Hall of Famer was only a two-time All-Pro, but he shared the backfield with another talented back in Mercury Morris. It was a team effort, but Csonka was the guy. He was a hulking back, standing at 6-foot-3 and nearly 240 pounds. Bigger backs that bring and take punishment usually suffer from ball-control issues. However, Csonka only fumbled 21 times in his 11 seasons,” adds Pro Football Network. 

Csonka was clearly the featured power back for the Dolphins of the early ‘70s, and his ability to wear down NFL defenses made him a big threat late in games. Csonka played for Miami for over five seasons before leaving and eventually returning in the late ‘70s. 

“Larry Csonka, affectionately known by many as Zonk, might just be the best running back in NFL history depending on who is asked. He joined the Dolphins in 1968 and remained with the team until 1974, before eventually returning in 1979. He was yet another major factor in the Dolphins’ two Super Bowl wins of the early 70s, and was even MVP of one of those games. He was named the Comeback Player Of The Year in his final season with the Dolphins, and they have since retired his jersey number out of respect,” furthers The Sportster. 

4. Bob Griese

The fourth spot on the list of the best players in Dolphins franchise history belongs to Bob Griese. He helped orchestrate the perfect ‘72 season, and next to Dan Marino, he’s the best quarterback to ever wear a Miami Dolphins uniform. 

“Bob Griese, the Dolphins’ first-round draft pick in 1967, was the team’s starting quarterback for over a decade. Griese, known for his intelligence and poise under pressure, was instrumental in leading the Dolphins to two Super Bowl victories in the 1970s. During his career, Griese was an 8-time Pro Bowl selection and a 2-time All-Pro. He was also named the AFL-NFL Super Bowl MVP in Super Bowl VII, where the Dolphins completed their historic perfect season. Griese was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990, and his leadership and skill as a quarterback have earned him a place among the greatest Dolphins of all time,” writes Dolphins Talk. 

Griese won two Super Bowls for the Miami Dolphins and he’s a big reason for the team’s success during the early ‘70s. His numbers don’t necessarily reflect what he meant to the Dolphins over the course of his career. 

“Griese started 151 games at QB for the Dolphins.  He completed 1,926 passes on 3,429 attempts for 25,092 yards and 192 TD’s.  He played in eight Pro Bowls in 1967, 1968, 1970, 1971, 1973, 1974, 1977, and 1978.  In 1977, he led the league in passer efficiency with a rating of 87.8,” adds The Grueling Truth.  

Griese was an efficient passer who made timely plays in the passing game. Of course, he had quite the supporting cast around him, and the Dolphins rushing attack aided his success. Still, Griese was in charge of the Dolphins’ offense and when given the chance, he made big plays to help lead the franchise to several winning seasons. 

“The Dolphins’ first true franchise quarterback, Bob Griese was instrumental in guiding Miami to their two Super Bowl victories and the 1972 perfect season. Griese’s intelligent play-calling and efficient passing made him a perfect fit for Don Shula’s ball-control offense. An eight-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro, Griese was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990,” adds Phin Phanatic. 

5. Larry Little

Rounding out the list of the best Dolphins players of all time is none other than legendary offensive lineman, Larry Little. He helped comprise one of the best offensive lines in the entire league and his contributions to the great Dolphins teams of the ‘70s can’t be overstated. 

“Like many of the greatest Dolphins players of all time, Little was an undrafted player who began his career slowly before latching on with Miami. The Dolphins loved pulling their guards, and Little was one of the most dominating forces in the sport when blocking in space. At the time of his Hall of Fame induction, he was one of three guards to be enshrined and one of 14 undrafted players,” writes Pro Football Network. 

Little was undrafted out of college and began his career with the San Diego Chargers. Although his career started slowly, Little broke out after being traded to the Miami Dolphins. Over the years, Little transformed into one of the best guards in the entire league. 

“Larry Little was a fantastic offensive guard who was yet another key star for The Dolphins in the early seventies. He spent most of his career with the team, playing from 1969-1980 before retiring altogether. He’s yet another member of the Miami Dolphins Honor Roll, has seven All-Pro team selections and was named to five Pro Bowls. He’s yet another player who is widely regarded as one of the absolute best of the seventies thanks to the dominant winning machine that was the Miami Dolphins,” furthers The Sportster. 

By today’s NFL standards, Little was small for an offensive lineman, standing 6’ 1” and weighing just over 260 lbs. Still, Little dominated defenses with his athleticism and football acumen. 

“Little was named First Team All-Pro in five consecutive seasons from 1971-1975. He was a staple along Miami’s offensive line when they were dominating the league. Little was apart of five division titles, three conference championships, and two Super Bowl titles. During Little’s All-Pro stretch, the Dolphins won double-digit games every year and never lost more than four games. Miami took over games by running the ball and Little led the offensive line that helped them do so,” adds Clutch Points. 

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