To look to the future you have to embrace the past.
Before I take part in HuddleUK’s 2025 AFC East preview podcast later today, I thought I would saunter through some of the most heartbreaking Miami losses of the past 40 years or so… because why not?
This one is gonna hurt. Being a Miami Dolphins fan is like being in a long-term relationship with chaos and disappointment — there are highs, but man, those lows? Legendary.
So let us take a stroll through this emotional minefield.
1. 1985 AFC Championship Game — Dolphins vs. Patriots (Loss: 31–14)
Why it hurt:
This was supposed to be Dan Marino’s redemption tour after losing the Super Bowl the year before. The Dolphins had not lost to the Patriots at home in 18 years. EIGHTEEN. Then the Pats roll into the Orange Bowl and steamroll Marino’s last, best shot at a Super Bowl. That loss still echoes like a sad saxophone in a ’80s power ballad.
2. Super Bowl XIX — Dolphins vs. 49ers (Loss: 38–16)
Why it hurt:
Marino’s only Super Bowl. The face-off with Joe Montana. The hype was real. Marino was coming off a record-shattering season and was supposed to be the guy. But instead of crowning him, the 49ers curb-stomped the Dolphins and Marino never got back. Watching Joe Cool pick apart the defense was like watching your crush slow dance with your nemesis at prom.
3. 1994 AFC Divisional Playoff — Dolphins vs. Chargers (Loss: 22–21)
Why it hurt:
Miami had a 21–6 halftime lead. Marino was slinging it. Life was good. Then came the second-half collapse, a missed 48-yard field goal by Pete Stoyanovich, and a one-point gut punch. This game is basically the blueprint for “hope turned into pain”.
4. Monday Night Miracle (2000) — Dolphins vs. Jets (Loss: 40–37 OT)
Why it hurt:
Dolphins were up 30–7 going into the fourth quarter. Done deal, right? Wrong. The Jets mounted the second-largest fourth quarter comeback in NFL history. It was like watching a car crash in slow motion while being in the car. This one made Dolphins fans question the concept of joy.
5. 2002 Week 17 — Dolphins vs. Patriots (Loss: 27–24 OT)
Why it hurt:
Win and in. Ricky Williams had a monster game. Miami had a 24–13 lead in the fourth. Then came the collapse. Again. Patriots tie it, go into overtime and win it. Dolphins get bounced from playoff contention. Bill Belichick probably still chuckles in his sleep about this one.
Honourable Mentions (because why not twist the knife?)
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The ‘Butt Fumble’ game where we lost anyway.
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Every time we lose to the Bills.
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The time we hired Adam Gase.
