Bob Griese of the Miami Dolphins hands the ball off to Larry Csonka against the Washington Redskins during Super Bowl VII

The 1970s Miami Dolphins are often overshadowed by the success of the Steel Curtain and the Dallas Cowboys. The ’70s were a great time for some hard-nosed physical football, and it was also a great time for the Miami Dolphins. Before Terry Bradshaw ushered in the Steelers dynasty, there were the Miami Dolphins led by Bob Griese of Indiana.

Bob Griese throws a pass during Super Bowl VI against the Dallas Cowboys

The two-time All-American from the University of Purdue was drafted 4th overall in the 1967 Common Draft. Griese never had huge numbers, but he made it clear that he was the Miami Dolphin’s franchise quarterback from the beginning. Despite a slow start, Griese led the Dolphins to three consecutive Super Bowl appearances in the early ’70s . He lost in a blowout game against the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl VI but would win out against the Washington Redskins and the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowls VII and VIII.

Bob Griese waits for the snap during Super Bowl VIII against the Minnesota Vikings

Griese would finish his career as a six-time Pro Bowler, two-time AP First Team All-Pro, one-time Newspaper Enterprise Association NFL MVP and two-time Super Bowl Champion. In 1972, Griese led the Dolphins to a perfect season, a record that still stands today. In 1985, the Miami Dolphins retired the jersey number 12 in honor of his accomplishments.