A Chance at a Legacy

As the playoffs are set to begin, I can help but think of the meaning of it all. For the Dolphins, we have a unique opportunity before us. You see, winning the Super Bowl this year for the Dolphins would be more than just winning the 43rd Super Bowl. Instaed, by winning the Super Bowl this year the Dolphins would go down as one of the greatest stories, not only in the NFL, but in all major sports for all time.

We all know that Miami has tied a record by matching with 10 more wins than the previous season. But how many teams really remember that Colts team? I've never thought about that team until the Dolphins matched their record. People dont gather around the watercooler and reminice about those Colts.

Likewise, while winning the Super Bowl is quite the accomplishment, that by itself does not etch a team's name in the minds of people forever. Tampa Bay won a Super Bowl recently, but I couldn't tell you which year. The truth is Super Bowl champions come and go. There are exceptions of course. Most notably the 1972 Dolphins who went undefeated. The 85 Bears with the Super Bowl shuffle and the Fridge. The '69 Jets who upset the Colts in Super Bowl 3. These teams are the ones that stand out; the ones people think of when they think of all time notable teams.

The Dolphins have a chance to join them. A team going from 1-15 to Super Bowl champions the next year would be remembered for all time. It would set a benchmark all future teams would be measured against, much like the '72 team. It would be referenced not only in the NFL, but in other major sports too. People would always point to the 2008 Dolphins as proof of what can be accomplished. It would go down as the most improbably championship ever. Even as the playoffs begin, nobody thinks the Dolphins will win. Most are picking the Ravens to win the first round.

Win the Super Bowl this year and it is not a footnote to NFL history, it is one of its major headlines. A Super Bowl 43 victory would be so much more than that. It would be a legacy created.

Go Fins!!