Dolphins fans can relate to Cleveland
By Brian Miller
The Miami Dolphins haven’t been in a Super Bowl since 1985. They haven’t won a Super Bowl since 1974. That’s 42 years and counting with little end in sight.
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On Sunday night, the NBA and sports world witnessed a historic assent by the Cleveland Cavaliers who became the first team in that leagues history to erase a 3-1 deficit to win the championship. For the city of Cleveland it’s been 52 years since a major pro sports franchise won a championship for the city. The last was the 1964 Browns, before the leagues merged and not considered modern-era.
As someone who has lived many years in Cleveland, someone who’s in-laws and many friends still live in Cleveland, I was able to thoroughly enjoy the victory last night. While I’m not a huge fan of the Cav’s, I’ve been watching the team for two decades with my father-in-law who loves the Cav’s.
There was a feeling last night that I truly haven’t been able to feel completely yet in my lifetime. While I felt the nerves and jumped up with Kyrie Irving’s clutch three-point game winning shot, I knew deep down that I’m a fan, but not “FAN”. Not like I am a Dolphins fan.
In the world of sports there are many cities who have never felt a championship. In Miam they have celebrated the Dolphins Super Bowl wins in the 70’s, the Marlins’ World Series win, the Panthers’ Stanley Cup, and of course the Heat’s NBA titles. No one will point a finger at Miami and say they are overdue, but it’s time to point a finger at the Dolphins and say they are.
Anyone who was younger than seven years old in 1974 will not likely remember any of the Super Bowls Miami won, I was five. My memories are David Woodley’s attempt against Washington and Dan Marino’s against San Francisco. And like many of you, it all stops there.
The Dolphins haven’t been relevant in a long time let alone coming close to another title. It’s been eight years since they made the playoffs. Eight years doesn’t seem like a long time but when it comes to the Dolphins, it sure seems like forever.
When I called my father-in-law after Sunday’ nights game there was cracking in his voice, an elation I haven’t heard since my wife gave birth to his 2nd grandson. I was genuinely happy for him, especially since I rooted for the Marlins openly against his Indians in the World Series.
As I sat in my living room watching all the post-game footage and thinking about how this 70-year-old in Ohio probably wanted to go to bed but couldn’t, I couldn’t help but wonder what that feels like. Really feels like.
What would it be like to watch the Dolphins win a Super Bowl? What would it be like to see them get to a Super Bowl again? I honestly don’t remember the emotions from their attempts in the early 80’s.
The Dolphins are overdue and frankly I could care less what other cities have suffered longer or how committed other fanbases are to their perennial losers, I care about the Dolphins and I want to feel that elation when the clock ticks down to zero.
Congratulations to the city of Cleveland and to my friends and family who are still riding a high many of us have yet to experience but it’s time Dolphins. It’s time to get this turned around.