Miami Dolphins At 50: 2006-2009
By Brian Miller
Jason Taylor stretches before a game – photo by Brian Miller
2008
January 2nd
Jeff Ireland is hired as the teams new GM
January 3rd
Cam Cameron couldn’t so he was fired. He was joined by all but two of his staff
January 16th
Tony Sparano is named the teams new head coach becoming the 8th head coach in Dolphins history and sixth head coach since Don Shula retired. Including interim head coach Jim Bates.
February 3rd
Jason Taylor wins the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award
February 22nd
Wayne Huizenga announces that Stephen Ross has purchased a 50% partnership in the stadium, team, and surrounding developmental land. On March 31st the owners unanimously approve the 50% sale.
April 22nd
For the first time in team history the Dolphins own the first overall pick in the NFL Draft. They select offensive tackle Jake Long over quarterback Matt Ryan. They sign the left tackle four days before the start of the draft.
July 28th
Long time defensive end Jason Taylor is traded to the Washington Redskins. Taylor was not a fan of newcomer Bill Parcells and vice versa. The Dolphins received a 2nd round pick and 6th round pick in the trade. Taylor would come back to Miami three seasons later.
September 21st
The Dolphins snap a 19 game regular season losing streak to the New England Patriots. In the game the Dolphins unveiled their new “Wild Cat” package and would use the package the duration of the season in route to an 11 win season.
December 7th
The Dolphins and Bill play the first ever regular season game in Canada. The Bills optioned one home game per season to be played in Toronto. The Dolphins won.
December 21st
The Dolphins total 403 yards of total offense in a win at Kansas City. The lead changed seven times and the temperature was 10* at kick-off making it the coldest game ever in Dolphins history
December 28th
With a win against the Jets in New York, the Dolphins improve to 11-5 on the season tying the team with the 1999 Colts for the largest turnaround in NFL history from the previous year. 1-15 to 11-5. The Dolphins win the AFC East and will face the Baltimore Ravens in the playoffs.
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2009
January 4th
The Dolphins lose 27-9 to the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the playoffs. It was Miami’s last playoff appearance.
January 20th
The team announces that Wayne Huizenga has sold 45% of his ownership to Stephen Ross. Ross now owns 95% of the Dolphins and Dolphin Stadium as well as 50% of the developing surrounding land.
May 3rd
Mike Dee becomes the teams new CEO of the Miami Dolphins and Dolphins Stadium
May 8th
The Dolphins and Jimmy Buffett announce that Dolphin Stadium will be renamed LandShark Stadium and that the teams new fight song will be a re-written version of Buffet’s FINS.
June 25th
Stephen Ross announces Emilio Estevez and Gloria Estephan will become limited partners in the team and stadium.
July 21st
Ross announces that Marc Anthony will become a limited partner in the team
August 7th
The Dolphins announce that artist Romero Britto will have his iconic South Florida work displayed at the stadium. The four corner helixes will display Britto’s work as well.
August 25th
Venus and Serena Williams joins the Dolphins limited partnership group. The Dolphins would later add singer Fergie to the list of limited celebrity partners on October 13th
September 21st
For the first time since a Thursday night opener in 1981 the Dolphins open the season at home for a primetime Monday Night Football game. It’s the first time the Dolphins have opened at home on MNF since 1975
December 20th
Ricky Williams rushes for 80 yards and eclipses the 1,000 yard mark. He becomes the first running back to go six years between 1,000 yard seasons in the NFL.