The South Florida sports scene lost its most recognizable athlete when NBA star Dwyane Wade decided to leave the Miami Heat for the Chicago Bulls late Wednesday.

Miami often was known as "Wade County" thanks to the three championships and 13 years the future Hall of Famer contributed while playing in the area. But his exit also leaves a significant void.

Can a Miami Dolphins player become the new face of Miami sports? Here are three potential players:

Jarvis Landry (14) and Ryan Tannehill (17) will need to pile up the wins if they or any Dolphins are to take Dwyane Wade's place atop the Miami sports scene. Allen Eyestone/Zuma Press/Icon Sportswire

No. 1: QB Ryan Tannehill

Analysis: Opportunity knocks for Tannehill. It's been an up-and-down four seasons. But Tannehill, 27, has flashed enough potential and has the backing of coach Adam Gase. He can quickly rise to the top of the Miami sports scene by thriving in the glamour position of quarterback alone. Look no further for an example than former signal-caller Dan Marino, who remains Miami's most beloved athlete 17 years after his retirement. Tannehill also has a long-term contract: The Dolphins signed him to a $96 million extension in 2015 and he should be under center for at least the next two or three years.

No. 2: DT Ndamukong Suh

Analysis: Suh is the Dolphins' highest-paid player, with a $100 million contract, so that is a start. Suh also is Miami's best overall player and probably the most recognizable on a national level. But Suh has only played one season with the Dolphins and still has a lot of work to do in South Florida. He must put together dominant seasons and lead the Dolphins to multiple winning campaigns before he reaches Wade's status in Miami.

No. 3: WR Jarvis Landry

Analysis: Landry's popularity in South Florida is growing fast, and Wade's exit provides another opportunity for the receiver's star to rise. Landry set a team record with 110 receptions and made his first Pro Bowl in 2015, his second season with the franchise. He is on his way to becoming a star and has the right type of work ethic and charisma. Similar to Tannehill and Suh, Landry must help turn the Dolphins into a winner.