The Best Miami Dolphins of All Time
List of the best Miami Dolphins of all time. Since their formation in 1966 as part of the AFL, the Miami Dolphins have been one of the most successful teams in AFC history. From the beginning of the 1970s through the early 2000s, Miami was the standard bearer for excellence in the conference. During this nearly 30 year run of success, the Dolphins had many of the best players in its history on its roster. The dominant Dolphins Super Bowl teams of the 1970s had some of the top players in the league on the team. With head coach Don Shula as the constant, the Dolphins fielded what some consider to be the best team of all time in 1972 when they went an unmatched 17-0, the only NFL team to go undefeated during a single season.
Many of the team's best players were on the 1972 undefeated, Super Bowl winning team. Hall of Fame players like Larry Csonka, Paul Warfield, Bob Griese and Larry Little to name a few are considered some of the best Dolphins ever. While the players on that team are memorable, perhaps the most famous Dolphins player is star quarterback Dan Marino, who is one of the best quarterbacks of all time. Despite not winning a championship, Marino is still considered one of the most popular and greatest Dolphins ever and thousands of Miami fans to this day will wear his jersey to the team's home games.
This list of the best Miami Dolphins factors in all players from the team's AFL days to the present day. If you see someone missing from this list, feel free to add him if you consider him one of the greatest Miami Dolphins players of all time. Vote and rerank this list so it accurately reflects who is the best Miami Dolphins player of all time, then head over and check out the top Dolphins kickers ever and best Dolphins tight ends.
- 1Quarterback
Dan Marino, an exceptional quarterback who donned the Miami Dolphins jersey for 17 seasons, redefined the passing game during his era with his quick release and precision accuracy. He shattered numerous NFL records, establishing himself as one of the most prolific passers in the history of the league and propelling the Dolphins to consistent playoff appearances. Despite never winning a Super Bowl, Marino's storied career left an indelible mark on the sport, earning him enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and solidifying his status as one of the all-time greats.
- 2Running back, Fullback
An instrumental figure in the Miami Dolphins' early years, Larry Csonka excelled as a bruising fullback, combining power and agility to bulldoze through opposing defenses and leading the team to two Super Bowl victories. As the centerpiece of the Dolphins' potent rushing attack, Csonka's fearless running style embodied the tough-nosed mentality of Miami's iconic "No-Name Defense." Solidifying his legacy in the annals of the NFL, Csonka starred in the Dolphins' legendary undefeated season in 1972, setting the gold standard for football perfection.
- 3Linebacker
A fearsome force on the defensive side of the ball, Jason Taylor made offensive linemen quake in their boots as a relentless pass-rusher for the Miami Dolphins. Known for his explosive athleticism and impeccable timing, Taylor terrorized opposing quarterbacks throughout his 15-year career, tallying multiple sacks and turnovers to keep the Dolphins competitive. A stalwart leader on and off the field, Taylor further cemented his legacy with a well-deserved induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
- 4Linebacker
The heart and soul of the Miami Dolphins throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s, Zach Thomas embodied the tenacious spirit of South Florida football. As a downhill middle linebacker with uncanny instincts and unparalleled determination, Thomas anchored the Dolphins defense, displaying an impeccable ability to stop even the most potent offenses in their tracks. Although not yet enshrined in the Hall of Fame, Thomas' contributions to the sport have left a lasting impact that will forever be remembered by Dolphins fans and the entire NFL community.
- 5Quarterback
A quarterback who transcended the game and guided the Miami Dolphins to two Super Bowl championships, Bob Griese's football IQ and unwavering leadership were unmatched during his era. Known for his ability to strategize and outsmart his opponents, Griese became synonymous with sustained success throughout his 14-year tenure with the team. Enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Griese's unforgettable legacy stretches far beyond South Florida, as he remains a symbol of excellence for the sport.
- 6
Larry Little
GuardAs an undrafted free agent, few could have predicted the meteoric rise and profound impact Larry Little would have on the Miami Dolphins' offensive line during the 1970s. Playing the unheralded position of right guard, Little's sheer dominance paved the way for the Dolphins' storied rushing attack, enabling the team to hoist two Lombardi Trophies. A testament to his greatness, Little's remarkable career culminated in a well-deserved induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
