The Miami Dolphins, also known as the Fins or Phins, play in the NFL's American Football Conference (AFC). Located in Miami, Florida, the team competes in the AFC East. Established in 1966 by lawyer Joseph Robbie and actor Danny Thomas when the American Football League (AFL) expanded, they played in the Eastern Division until 1970 when the NFL and AFL merged.

The Miami Dolphins completed the first perfect regular and post-season winning 14 regular season contests, two playoff games and Super Bowl VII in 1972. Miami beat the Washington Redskins in that game 14-7. The Dolphins also won Super Bowl VIII in 1973. The team has been to the playoffs 19 times, including 12 times as AFC East Champions (1971, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1979, 1981, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1992, 1994, 2000).

Eight players and one coach from the Dolphins organization have been named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. Included in the list is running back Larry Csonka (1968-1974 and 1979 Dolphins, 1975 Memphis Southern and 1976-1978 New York Giants), quarterback Bob Griese (1968-1980), Head coach Don Shula (1963-1969 Baltimore Colts and 1970-1995 Dolphins) and quarterback Dan Marino (1983-1999).

Csonka rushed for 8,081 yards, averaging 4.3 yards per carry and crossing the goal line 64 times. He was Super Bowl VIII MVP, the 1979 NFL Comeback Player of the Year, two-time Super Bowl champ and a five-time Pro Bowler. Griese, who ended his career with a QB rating of 77.1, hit for 192 touchdowns while covering a total of 25,092 yards in the air. He was twice an AFL All-Star and a Pro Bowl selection five times. Legendary coach Shula saw his Fins win five AFC Championships and two Super Bowls. He retired with a record of 328-156-6. Marino, who played his entire career with Miami, threw 420 touchdown passes and 252 interceptions. His passes covered a total of 61,361 yards. Marino earned a rating of 86.4, while being selected to the Pro Bowl nine times and as an All-Pro eight times. In 1994, he was the NFL Comeback Player of the Year.

First the Dolphins played in the Miami Orange Bowl (1966-1986). They then moved to Dolphins Stadium in 1987. Originally named Joe Robbie Stadium, the venue was renamed Pro Player Stadium in 1997. In 2005, it was once again renamed—this time Dolphins Stadium.

H. Wayne Huizenga and Stephen M. Ross presently own the team. In 2008, Jeff Ireland was hired as the general manager and Tony Sparano the head coach.