Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Miami Dolphins

Here are the 10 cards for the Miami Dolphins in 1971, the year they met the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl VI. Although the Dolphins lost, the following season they would compile a 17-0 record, capped by a Super Bowl victory over the Redskins.

In 1971, all AFC player cards have red borders. Players designated as all-stars in each conference have red and blue card borders.


#160 Bob Griese - Griese joined the Dolphins as a rookie in 1967 (the franchise's 2nd season). He was the team's starting QB in each of those seasons.

#45 Larry Csonka - The Dolphins' bruising fullback was the team's #1 draft pick in 1968. At Syracuse, he had broken all the school's rushing records previously held by Jim Brown, Ernie Davis, Jim Nance, and Floyd Little. Csonka was the AFC's 2nd leading rusher in 1970, with 874 yards.

#186 Jim Kiick - The Dolphin's starting halfback, Kiick joined the team as a rookie in 1968, and in 1970 rushed for 658 yards - 2nd on the team to Larry Csonka. He was also frequently used as a pass catcher.

#91 Mercury Morris - A Dolphins' rookie in 1969, Mercury was primarily a kickoff and punt return specialist from 1969-71, until taking over the starting halfback job from Jim Kiick in 1972.


#261 Paul Warfield - After starring with the Cleveland Browns for his first 6 seasons, Warfield joined the Dolphins in 1970 and immediately became Bob Griese's primary target. With the Browns, he played in the NFL Championship Game in '64, '65, '68, and '69.


#121 Garo Yepremian - Garo, from Cyprus, played with the Lions in 1966 and 1967, then after idling on the Lions reserve list for 2 seasons, joined Miami in 1970. This is an early picture, because he wore #1 for most of his time in Miami. Anyone who watched Super Bowl VII will never forget Yepremian's feeble attempt to throw a pass after a botched field goal attempt, which ended up as a Redskins' touchdown.

#147 Nick Buoniconti - Nick played 7 seasons with the Boston Patriots before coming to Miami in 1969 to head up the Dolphins' "No-name Defense". He was chosen as the Dolphins' MVP in 1969, and was the Patriots' MVP twice.


#17 Lloyd Mumphord - Lloyd was Miami's 16th-round pick in 1969, and not only made the team, but became a starting cornerback as a rookie, leading the team with 5 interceptions.


#67 Dick Anderson - Anderson was the team's starting strong safety, and was also used occasionally as a punter and punt returner. He led the team with 8 interceptions in 1970.


#211 Jake Scott - Scott joined Vancouver in the Canadian Football League after his junior year in college. After only 1 season in the CFL, Jake joined the Dolphins in 1970, and was their rookie of the year. In addition to starting at free safety, he was 3rd in the AFC in punt returns.


Also check out the 1968 Dolphins.


Next time: San Francisco 49ers
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