The greatest Miami Dolphins players of all time are anchored by the only perfect-season team in NFL history and the most prolific passer of his generation. This list spans the dominant Don Shula dynasty of the 1970s and the high-octane offenses that followed, honoring the Hall of Famers who built the franchise's legacy. From the No-Name Defense to record-setting quarterbacks, these are the legends of Miami.
1. Dan Marino (QB · 1983-1999)
Perhaps the greatest pure passer in NFL history and the face of the franchise for 17 seasons. He set numerous passing records, including a then-record 48 touchdowns in 1984, and was the 1984 NFL MVP. A first-ballot Hall of Famer with his number 13 retired.
2. Larry Csonka (RB · 1968-1974, 1979)
The bruising fullback who powered the back-to-back Super Bowl champions and the perfect 1972 season. He was named MVP of Super Bowl VIII after a punishing rushing performance. A Hall of Famer with his number 39 retired.
3. Jason Taylor (DE · 1997-2007, 2009, 2011)
An explosive and durable pass rusher who is the franchise's all-time sack leader. He won Defensive Player of the Year in 2006 and was famous for returning fumbles for touchdowns. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017.
4. Bob Griese (QB · 1967-1980)
The steady field general who quarterbacked the perfect 1972 team and two Super Bowl champions. He was a six-time Pro Bowler known for his intelligence and efficiency. A Hall of Famer with his number 12 retired.
5. Dwight Stephenson (C · 1980-1987)
Considered by many the greatest center in NFL history despite a career shortened by injury. He earned five straight Pro Bowl selections and anchored the line protecting Dan Marino. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1998.
6. Zach Thomas (LB · 1996-2007)
The undersized, instinctive tackling machine who was the emotional leader of the defense for over a decade. He earned seven Pro Bowl selections and piled up tackles year after year. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2023.
7. Nick Buoniconti (LB · 1969-1976)
The brilliant on-field leader of the famed 'No-Name Defense' that powered the perfect season. He combined intelligence and toughness to direct two Super Bowl championship defenses. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001.
8. Larry Little (G · 1969-1980)
A powerful pulling guard who paved the way for the dominant Dolphins running game of the 1970s. He earned five Pro Bowl selections and was a cornerstone of two championship teams. A Hall of Famer enshrined in 1993.
9. Paul Warfield (WR · 1970-1974)
An elegant deep threat whose mere presence opened up the entire Dolphins offense during the dynasty years. He was a constant Pro Bowl selection and one of the most graceful receivers ever. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1983.
10. Jake Scott (S · 1970-1975)
A ball-hawking safety and the MVP of Super Bowl VII, capping the only perfect season in NFL history. He intercepted two passes in that title game and anchored the secondary of the No-Name Defense. A member of the Dolphins Honor Roll.
Honorable Mentions
Mark Clayton (Marino's prolific touchdown-catching deep threat), Mark Duper (Speedy receiver, the other 'Marks Brothers' star), Bob Kuechenberg (Stalwart guard of the championship offensive lines), Jim Langer (Hall of Fame center of the perfect season), Bill Stanfill (Dominant pass-rushing end of the No-Name Defense), Richmond Webb (Seven-time Pro Bowl tackle protecting Marino), Sam Madison (Shutdown cornerback of the late 1990s secondary)
Put a Dolphins Legend on Your Wall
Own a piece of Miami Dolphins history with hand-built plaques made from real licensed cards. Start with the Dolphins All-Time Greats plaque, or browse the full Miami Dolphins collection. See legends from every team on our Pro Football Hall of Fame page. We ship nationwide.