Miami Dolphins: The Ghost of Victory.

Miami Dolphins:

The Ghost of Victory.

by: Daniel Suarez


It is commonly accepted that the greatest mind in Miami Dolphin history is the late, great, Shula…I bow, I am a believer, RESPECT!!

HOWEVER, He wasn’t the greatest mind.


Everyone would say that the greatest player in franchise history is DANNY BOY, A SEDUCTIVE TALENT, and yet still in the shadow of greatnest; both career winning and franchise legacy.

The Dolphins won all of their championships before his arrival.

Despite how prolific Marino was, he took a back seat to a far more prolific winner.


NO, The greatest mind in Dolphin history is the most accomplished talent evaluator you never heard of, Joe Thomas. Joe Thomas is the GM responsible for building the “Perfect” Dolphins, “The Purple People Eaters” and 3 HOF QB’s; Tarkenton, Griese and Theismann, who was drafted in 71 by Miami. Theismann defeated Shula in the 82 Super Bowl. 


Jan. 1974, Super Bowl 8, Dolphins vs Vikings, two different styles of play that faced off in a Super Bowl, both the manifestation of Thomas. One can only imagine what Joe Thomas was thinking?


The man drafted 7 hall of famers and traded for one for Lamb. Thomas had incredible vision and artistry when considering future success. He built The Dolphins in a historically unique way and he was rewarded with perfection. The beautiful mind of player evaluation. 


A toast to you Joe Thomas, your influence and deserved reverence has been erased by the Siren that is Dan Marino. 


Director of Player Personal/Vice President of The Miami Dolphins

1966-1971 and then again 1979-1982


Joe Thomas Died in obscurity

February 10, 1983 (aged 61)

Miami, Florida


Marino was drafted two months later.


Joe Thomas being embraced by Shula.











HOF Players selected

Bob Griese 

Larry Csonka

Fran Tarkenton

Carl Eller

Bobby Bell

Joe Theismann

Dwight Stephenson


Traded for:

A young un-drafted guard, HOFamer Larry Little for a DB Mac Lamb. 

(who never played another down)


Notable selections:

Mercury Morris

Dick Anderson (2nd in Dolphin franchise int’s)

Jim Mandich

Jake Scott (Franchise leader in int’s - who played in an era where passing wasn’t as prominent)

Glenn Blackwood (A Killer B)

Tony Nathan

David Woodley (QB that started in a Super Bowl but was an alcoholic)

Joe Rose

David Overstreet, RB (a forgotten talent tragically lost in a car accident) 

Mark Duper. (his last notable selection a year before he passes away)



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