December 9 marks a special anniversary for Miami Dolphins fans, bringing to mind the unforgettable “Miami Miracle.” That three-lateral masterpiece orchestrated by Ryan Tannehill, Kenny Stills, DeVante Parker, and Kenyan Drake was a 69-yard touchdown stunner that clinched a 34-33 win over the New England Patriots in Week 14 of the 2018 season.
Walk with us down memory lane as we recount the top 10 plays in Dolphins’ lore, celebrating their uniqueness, degree of difficulty, and historical significance. Disagree if you like—these plays are legends for a reason.
10. Cameron Wake’s Overtime Sack-Off Against the Bengals in 2013
Imagine Halloween night where drama and football intersect in Miami. Wake’s incredible third-and-10 sack was the play that sealed a hard-fought game against Cincinnati. After the Bengals tied the game with a wild touchdown run from Gio Bernard, Wake decided it was time to head home, splitting the line and planting Andy Dalton in the end zone.
9. Trace Armstrong’s Sack and Strip in the 1998 Playoffs Against Buffalo
The Dolphins were in cruise control with a 24-14 lead late in the game, but things got dicey after a Bills field goal and onside kick. With the Bills threatening on Miami’s 5-yard line and time waning, Armstrong became the hero, leveling Doug Flutie and forcing a game-clinching fumble, snatched up by Shane Burton.
8. Dan Marino’s Triumphant Return Against New England in 1994
There are comebacks, and then there’s Dan Marino’s 1994 return. Facing a crucial fourth-and-5, Marino didn’t just aim for a first down. He delivered a flawless sideline pass to Irving Fryar for the game-winning score, lifting the Dolphins to a dramatic 39-35 victory and asserting his legendary status.
7. Dick Anderson’s Pick-Six in the 1971 AFC Championship
In the 1971 AFC title game, Anderson’s 62-yard interception return wasn’t just a key play; it was poetry in motion. Weaving through the field with exceptional blocking, Anderson’s pick-six gave Miami a commanding lead, contributing to a 21-0 victory and solidifying the Dolphins’ reputation for defensive prowess.
6. The “Mountaineer Shot” Trick Play in 2019 Against Philadelphia
Sometimes creativity takes the spotlight, and this trick play was all about innovation. Punter Matt Haack throwing a touchdown to kicker Jason Sanders following a bizarre formation is a testament to the unexpected. The play left Eagles’ defenders bamboozled and etched another quirky chapter in Dolphins’ history.
5. Jay Fiedler’s Emotional Game-Winning Run Following 9/11
In the emotional return to football post-9/11, the Dolphins delivered a heart-pounding finish. In a fierce contest against Oakland, Fiedler showcased grit and determination, sneaking in a 2-yard touchdown on the final play to edge an 18-15 win, marking a poignant moment for the team and fans alike.
4. Larry Seiple’s Daring Fake Punt in the 1972 AFC Championship
Executing a fake punt deep in conference title territory isn’t just bold; it’s gutsy genius. Seiple found the gap in Pittsburgh’s formation and dashed for a pivotal gain, setting up a score and changing the game’s momentum toward a 21-17 win, part of their iconic perfect season run.
3. Dan Marino’s Legendary “Fake Spike” Against the Jets in 1994
This play isn’t just legendary because it embarrassed the Jets. When Marino faked a spike and threw a TD pass to Mark Ingram, fans witnessed unforgettable subterfuge. The rivalry’s fire was unmistakably stoked as Miami capitalized on confusion and orchestrated a memorable win.
2. The “Miracle in Miami” Against New England in 2018
Exactly as advertised, this play was jaw-dropping. Tannehill to Stills to Parker to Drake—a harmonious sequence that covered 69 yards to snatch victory from the Patriots. While it may not have playoff implications, its potential for lore within Dolphins fandom can’t be overstated.
1. The Iconic Hook-and-Lateral in the 1981 Playoffs Against San Diego
In the pantheon of NFL plays, this one’s genius stands alone. Trailing 24-10, the Dolphins executed magic with six seconds left before halftime.
A short pass to Duriel Harris, followed by a rightly timed lateral to Tony Nathan, disentangled defenders and saw Nathan reach the end zone untouched. Though the Dolphins would eventually fall short, the brilliance of the play deserves its top nod, making it an everlasting highlight in NFL history.
These plays remind us why we love the game—moments that combine skill, creativity, and the occasional brush with fate to etch themselves in memory. It’s these highlights that continue to captivate generations of Dolphins fans and keep the spirit of Miami’s storied franchise alive.