Miami Dolphins

In 1965, the American Football League awarded an expansion franchise to Joe Robbie and television star Danny Thomas for $7.5 million. The naming of the franchise was left to the public. “Dolphins” was submitted by 622 entrants in a contest that attracted 19,843 entries.”The dolphin is one of the fastest and smartest creatures in the sea,” Joe Robbie said in announcing his football team’s nickname. Their first coach, George Wilson, saw the ragtag American Football League expansion through their first four seasons. In 1969, Don Shula was signed to become the Dolphins head coach. In the next five seasons, the Dolphins saw 65 victories, three Superbowl appearances and two NFL championships.

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