Perfectville: Miami Dolphins 1972

What makes a champion a champion? What makes a great team a great team? Moreover, what takes a great team to the championship during a perfect season?
Some would argue it’s the skill and determination of the players, while others would say it’s the coaching staff or the fan support throughout the season. In the 1970s, a combination of all these factors collided to produce what’s deemed the greatest sports record of all time: the Miami Dolphins’ 1972 NFL Season.
The Miami Dolphins are the only team in the history of the NFL to secure a win in every game during a season. In addition, they have been the only team to do so since 50 years ago. Not only did they go undefeated, but they scored more points and had more yards than any other team that year.
The legendary team was led by Hall of Famer Coach Don Shula, who ushered the team to a 17-0 record, including a win over the Washington Redskins at Super Bowl VII. Quarterback Bob Griese, running back Larry Csonka, linebacker Nick Buoniconti, wide receiver Paul Warfield, and center Jim Langer were members of this historic team that also joined the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Many teams have come close, including the Washington Redskins in 1991, who were 11-0 before being defeated by the Dallas Cowboys. Then again, with the Denver Broncos in 1998 before being defeated. A myth that the remaining players from ‘72 gather to clink a champagne toast when the last undefeated team is eliminated in a season was disproved by Griese, though it did happen once or twice.
The truth is that the ‘72 Dolphins set the standard for a perfect NFL record. It has yet to be followed by any other team out there, and that is undeniably remarkable. In the famous words of Drake, “Oh, we talking teams?” In that case folks, it just doesn’t get any better than the Dolphins in 1972.