As the anticipation for the upcoming 2024 NFL regular season continues to mount, now less than 100 days away, we’ve embarked on a unique countdown celebrating the Miami Dolphins’ rich history by honoring the greatest players to have donned each number for the team. Today, we arrive at jersey number 85, a number that has graced the backs of several notable Dolphins throughout the years.
The journey thus far has taken us through a gamut of Dolphins legends, with names like Jason Taylor (99), Jared Odrick (98), and Cameron Wake (91) among those highlighted. As we proceed with our countdown, it’s vital to remember that our selections are strictly based on the players’ accomplishments while wearing their Miami uniforms.
The roster of players who have worn number 85 for Miami includes a diverse group ranging from defensive end Johnny Holmes in the team’s nascent years of 1966, to the more recent contributions of WR River Cracraft up until the 2022-23 season. This eclectic list features talents across various positions, from linebackers like Hall of Famer Nick Buoniconti to wide receivers such as Mark Duper and tight ends including Ronnie Williams.
Debating the greatest number 85 in Dolphins history sparks a particularly intriguing conversation, as it pits two exceptional talents against each other for the top spot: linebacker Nick Buoniconti and wide receiver Mark Duper. Both made indelible marks on the franchise; Buoniconti was a linchpin in the formidable “No-Name Defense” and has been enshrined in the Hall of Fame, whereas Duper, partnered with legendary quarterback Dan Marino, redefined the team’s aerial attack and sits atop the franchise’s receiving yards leaderboard.
Though Buoniconti’s career was split between Miami and the Boston Patriots, his impact in South Florida, underscored by three all-star game appearances and one All-Pro selection, is undeniable. Duper, with his three Pro Bowl appearances, also presents a compelling case, further enlivened by the dynamic duo he formed with Marino. This debate, enriched by their contrasting but equally impactful careers, underscores the difficulty in selecting just one player to represent number 85’s legacy.
Emerging from their shadows are other notable players who have donned the number, such as Lamar Thomas, who, although primarily a backup, had moments of brilliance, like his unforgettable three-touchdown game against the Denver Broncos.
In ranking the top three Dolphins to wear number 85, we arrive at:
1. Linebacker Nick Buoniconti
2. Wide Receiver Mark Duper
3. Wide Receiver Lamar Thomas
Looking beyond the confines of the Dolphins, when considering the jersey across the NFL, Buoniconti’s number 85 finds esteemed company with other Hall of Famers like Jack Youngblood, and modern-day legends such as Antonio Gates and Chad Johnson, underscoring the number’s significance in football lore. Buoniconti’s legacy, as seen through this wider lens, arguably places him among the top three to ever wear the number, with Duper not far behind within the top 10, a testament to their enduring impact on the game of football.