Bob Griese

Bob Griese, a two-time All-America at Purdue, was the Dolphins' No. 1 draft choice in their second year in 1967. He enjoyed an excellent rookie season with 2,005 yards and 15 touchdowns passing and, for the remainder of his Hall of Fame career, he was the poised leader of a classic ball-control offense that generated an awesomely efficient running attack, three AFC championships in 1971, 1972 and 1973 and victories in Super Bowls VII and VIII.

In the 1970s, the 6-1, 190-pound quarterback led the Dolphins to nine winning seasons. In several of his finest performances, Griese used the pass only sparingly. But when the defenses clogged up the Miami runners, Bob quickly and efficiently opened things up with his accurate aerials.

In Super Bowl VII, for instance, only 11 of Miami's 50 scrimmage plays were passes but Bob's eight completions accounted for one touchdown and set up the second. In Super Bowl VIII, the rush-pass ratio for Miami was a startling 53-7 with Griese completing six of his seven passes. The Dolphins won easily. In 14 seasons, Griese threw 3,429 passes, completing 1,926 for 25,092 yards, 192 touchdowns for a 77.1 career passing rating. He also rushed 261 times for 994 yards and seven touchdowns.

Honors came frequently for Griese. A six-time Dolphins MVP, he was named All-Pro in 1971 and 1977, and All-AFC four times (1970, 1971, 1973, and 1977). He played in two AFL All-Star games and six AFC-NFC Pro Bowls. His success came in spite of numerous injuries that constantly plagued him. During Miami's perfect 1972 season, Bob missed eight games but returned in time to lead his team to wins in both the AFC title game and Super Bowl VII.