The Miami Dolphins will honor the 50th anniversary of the 1972 Perfect Season this upcoming Sunday, October 23 during the Sunday Night Football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, presented by Pepsi at Hard Rock Stadium.
During the game, the team will wear throwback jerseys with a special 1972 patch, and Larry Csonka, Bob Griese, Larry Little and Paul Warfield will be a part of the memorable coin toss before kickoff.
Halftime will have members of the 1972 team gather with the families of deceased members for an on-field presentation.
Fans can enjoy 1972 pricing on select items at six concession stands listed below.
- 100 Level: 101, 129
- 200 Level: 214, 242
- 300 Level: 356, 327
For more information, view the 1972 special menu.
About the 1972 season
The 1972 Miami Dolphins, led by Hall of Fame Coach Don Shula, finished 17-0 and won Super Bowl VII over the Washington Redskins.
Fifty years later, the 1972 Miami Dolphins are still the only NFL team to complete an entire season undefeated.
There have been six Pro Football Hall of Fame players, including linebacker Nick Buoniconti, running back Larry Csonka, quarterback Bob Griese, center Jim Langer, guard Larry Little, wide receiver Paul Warfield, along with Coach Shula and director of player personnel Bobby Beathard.
During the season, Csonka rushed for 1,117 yards and Mercury Morris rushed for 1,000 yards that season, which makes the Dolphins one of only seven teams in NFL history to have two 1,000-yard rushers in the same season and the first to do so in a 14-game season.
The Dolphins were ranked number one in the NFL in total offense, total defense, scoring offense and scoring defense that season. Fifty years later, they remain the only team in NFL history to lead all four categories in the same season.
In 2013, President Barack Obama honored the 1972 team at the White House.
Roster
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Quarterback | 11 Jim Del Gaizo |
| Quarterback | 12 Bob Griese* |
| Quarterback | 15 Earl Morrall |
| Running Back | 21 Jim Kiick |
| Running Back | 22 Mercury Morris |
| Running Back | 23 Charles Leigh FB |
| Running Back | 28 Ed Jenkins |
| Running Back | 32 Hubert Ginn |
| Running Back | 39 Larry Csonka FB |
| Wide Receiver | 42 Paul Warfield |
| Wide Receiver | 81 Howard Twilley |
| Wide Receiver | 82 Otto Stowe |
| Wide Receiver | 86 Marlin Briscoe |
| Tight End | 80 Marv Fleming |
| Tight End | 88 Jim Mandich |
| Offensive Linemen | 54 Howard Kindig T/C/LS |
| Offensive Linemen | 60 Al Jenkins G |
| Offensive Linemen | 62 Jim Langer C |
| Offensive Linemen | 66 Larry Little G* |
| Offensive Linemen | 67 Bob Kuechenberg G |
| Offensive Linemen | 73 Norm Evans T |
| Offensive Linemen | 79 Wayne Moore T |
| Special Teams | 1 Garo Yepremian K |
| Special Teams | 7 Billy Lothridge P |
| Special Teams | 20 Larry Seiple P |
| Defensive Linemen | 65 Maulty Moore DT |
| Defensive Linemen | 72 Bob Heinz DT |
| Defensive Linemen | 75 Manny Fernandez DT |
| Defensive Linemen | 78 Jim Dunaway DT |
| Defensive Linemen | 83 Vern Den Herder DE |
| Defensive Linemen | 84 Bill Stanfill DE |
| Linebacker | 51 Larry Ball |
| Linebacker | 53 Bob Matheson |
| Linebacker | 56 Jesse Powell |
| Linebacker | 57 Mike Kolen |
| Linebacker | 59 Doug Swift |
| Linebacker | 85 Nick Buoniconti* |
| Defensive Back | 13 Jake Scott FS |
| Defensive Back | 13 Jake Scott FS |
| Defensive Back | 25 Tim Foley CB |
| Defensive Back | 26 Lloyd Mumphord CB* |
| Defensive Back | 40 Dick Anderson SS |
| Defensive Back | 43 Mike Howell FS |
| Defensive Back | 45 Curtis Johnson CB |
| Reserve List | 44 Tom Curtis FS (IR) |
| Reserve List | 70 Jim Riley DE (IR) |
| Reserve List | 89 Karl Noonan WR (IR) |
| Taxi Squad | Mike Kadish DT |
| Taxi Squad | Henry Stuckey DB |
* Captains
Coaching staff
- Don Shula (Head Coach)
- Bill Arnsparger (Head Defensive Coach/Linebackers)
- Howard Schnellenberger (Head Offensive Coach/Receivers)
- Monte Clark (Offensive Line)
- Tom Keane (Defensive Backfield)
- Mike Scarry (Defensive Line)
- Carl Taseff (Offensive Backfield)
Video Highlights
Perfect Season Podcast
Learn more about the perfect season of 1972 by listening to the new podcast. It's hosted by veteran NFL broadcaster Josh Lewin. He goes game-by-game each week with players from the 1972 season. A new episode will publish weekly during the season.
Listen to the most recent episode as he discusses game seven against Baltimore. Special guest Larry Csonka recalls Coach Shula's greatness and Shula's son, David, has his own memories of his father to share.
There are still tickets available for purchase. Tune in this Sunday Night and view how to watch the matchup. Kickoff is at 8:20 p.m.
Greetings, fellow enthusiasts and fans of football history. As someone deeply immersed in the world of American football, particularly the NFL, allow me to share my passion and expertise on the topic. I've closely followed the game, delving into its rich history, memorable moments, and iconic teams. My extensive knowledge extends to legendary players, historic seasons, and significant milestones that have shaped the landscape of the sport.
Now, let's dive into the captivating article about the Miami Dolphins' tribute to the 50th anniversary of their perfect season in 1972. This event, set to take place during the Sunday Night Football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, is a nod to a remarkable achievement in NFL history.
Throwback Jerseys and Special Patch: The Miami Dolphins are set to honor the 1972 Perfect Season by donning throwback jerseys during the game. These jerseys will feature a special 1972 patch, symbolizing the golden anniversary of the team's undefeated season. This not only pays homage to the past but also serves as a visual reminder of their historic accomplishment.
Coin Toss and Halftime Presentation: The festivities include a memorable coin toss before kickoff, featuring the presence of iconic figures from the 1972 team—Larry Csonka, Bob Griese, Larry Little, and Paul Warfield. Additionally, halftime will witness a gathering of the 1972 team members along with the families of deceased members for an on-field presentation. This segment promises to be a poignant tribute to the players who contributed to the Perfect Season.
Special Menu and Pricing: Fans attending the game are in for a treat as select concession stands will offer 1972 pricing on certain items. This is a thoughtful touch, allowing spectators to partake in the celebration by enjoying food and beverages reminiscent of the era.
About the 1972 Season: The 1972 Miami Dolphins, under the guidance of Hall of Fame Coach Don Shula, achieved the extraordinary feat of finishing the season 17-0, culminating in a victory in Super Bowl VII against the Washington Redskins. This makes them the only NFL team to complete an entire season undefeated, a record that still stands fifty years later.
Pro Football Hall of Fame Players: The 1972 Dolphins boasted an impressive roster, including six Pro Football Hall of Fame players—Nick Buoniconti, Larry Csonka, Bob Griese, Jim Langer, Larry Little, and Paul Warfield. Their individual and collective contributions played a pivotal role in the team's unprecedented success.
Offensive Dominance: During the 1972 season, the Dolphins showcased excellence on both sides of the ball. Larry Csonka's 1,117 rushing yards and Mercury Morris's 1,000 rushing yards in the same season set a historic precedent. The team led the NFL in total offense, total defense, scoring offense, and scoring defense, a feat unmatched in the league's history.
Presidential Recognition: The significance of the 1972 Perfect Season extends beyond the football field. In 2013, President Barack Obama honored the team at the White House, highlighting the cultural impact of their achievement.
In conclusion, the Miami Dolphins' commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the 1972 Perfect Season is a testament to the enduring legacy of a team that etched its name in NFL history. As we eagerly await the Sunday Night Football game, let's appreciate and celebrate the indelible mark left by the 1972 Dolphins on the sport we love.
