As the NFL season comes to a close, the 1972 Miami Dolphins breathe a sigh of relief; another year has passed and, nearly three and a half decades later, they still remain the only professional football team to achieve perfection. Over the years a few teams, the Bears, the Broncos, the Colts, and the Colts yet again, have caused the Dolphins to sweat profusely in the pit of their fins; these teams have come close but no cigar, especially not Don Shula‘s.
It’s safe to say that all members of the 1972 Dolphins have since retired and moved on to other ventures. Some remain in sports, some engage in completely different activities. No matter where they are and what they are doing, the members of this Dolphin’s team still holds a place in NFL history…at least for the time being. This makes us think about them, remembering how they were and wondering what they’re doing now.
Bob Griese
An All-Star, a Pro Bowler, and six time Dolphins MVP, Bob Griese was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1984 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990. Known more for his leadership than his arm - as he passed a little in some games and a lot in others - Bob led Miami to nine winning seasons.
After retiring from football, Bob went on to support his son Brian’s collegiate and professional football careers, stating that watching Brian win the Rose Bowl was one of the greatest moments of this life. In 2000, he and Brian wrote a book called Undefeated, which discussed the Dolphins perfect season as well as the death of Bob’s first wife to breast cancer. Bob is presently an ABC College Football Analyst and recently appeared on the game show Wheel of Fortune.
Don Shula
One of the most recognizable coaches in the entire world of sports, Don Shula began his football career with the Cleveland Browns in 1951 as a cornerback. During his playing days, he played for the Browns, the Baltimore Colts, and the Washington Redskins before turning to coaching. In 1963, at the age of 33, Don made history by becoming the youngest person to ever serve as a head NFL coach. This historical moment was only a preview of things to come.
After coaching the Baltimore Colts from 1963-1969, Don was hired by the Dolphins. He remained as their head coach from 1970-1995, a span of years that is unrivaled. Don currently holds the record for most NFL regular season wins with 328 and most Super Bowl’s coached with six. In 1997, in a move that everyone saw coming, Don Shula was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Article comments
1 - Rob H
I enjoyed your blurbs about the current lives of the Miami Dolphins. I've never seen Larry Csonka referred to as Lawrence so many times in one article, but that is a minor quibble. Several 1972 Dolphins have died, and one (Mercury Morris) served significant jail time. I hope he is doing better now.
Bob Griese was my hero growing up. A true class act.
2 - David
Another: Linebacker Jesse Powell is a State Farm Insurance agent in Lubbock, Texas.
3 - alessandro nicolo
Never say never but the record will probably never be broken.
4 - Joe
Good article on the team responsible for the greatest NFL season ever. It really is a remarkable accomplishment to go undefeated. Very interesting to see what those guys are up to these days.