The Irony of #17

We all have different ways of finding/choosing our favorite teams; whether through family or friends, by jumping on the bandwagon, where we live, because of a favorite player, etc. For me, like most things, I chose mine through inheritance. I’ve lived in Ohio my entire life and not once was I steered to root for the Browns (I can’t say I’ve missed out on much). Instead, ever since I was a kid, I’ve rooted for the teal and orange that is the Miami Dolphins. And although just about every season has brought me disappointment to this point, I am hopeful that one day the Phins will reign supreme against the rest.

How did this happen? My dad and a close friend of his were massive Dan Marino fans. So much so, that I remember these distinct things growing up: 1) My dad carved a wooden cutout of Marino and placed it in our front yard every Sunday/ weekend of the NFL season (see picture below), 2) Every Sunday we would watch the Phins game and play touch football during halftime at my dad’s friend’s house (in a nearby parking lot), and 3) Every Monday Night Football game that Marino played in, my dad (and friend) would have a party at our house to watch the game.

Through this and much more, it was quite simple to be able to follow in his footsteps in becoming a Dolphins fan. What would follow after Marino’s retirement (in 1999) however would be anything but enjoyable as a fan.

I don’t think there is anything more difficult than replacing a franchise quarterback in the NFL (Unless you’re the Colts who were ‘Luck’y, and had things fall in their lap). I witnessed this first hand with my favorite team. As Marino left, it was trial and error for the next 12 years at the most important position in the game. The lowest point was winning just 1 game in 2007. Miami tried everything, mostly bringing in veterans who were at the tail-end of their careers. The one staple in those years was Jay Fiedler who started 4 seasons. But even he, like the rest of his counterparts, was nothing more than a journeyman.  

The only coping mechanism over that 12-year ‘drought’ of not having a franchise quarterback: the 2005 Hall-of-Fame induction ceremony of Dan Marino in Canton, Ohio. It was an opportunity to revisit the past and the history of a once consistent franchise. And as we were at that ceremony, it made me think to myself, “What if?” What if the Dolphins could one day find a gem and another quarterback that would restore the franchise back to its glorious days of old?  

In the 12-year span from 2000-2011, 16 different quarterbacks started at least one game for the Phins.

The lengthy list (games in parenthesis):

1) Jay Fiedler (59)

2) Damon Huard (1)

3) Ray Lucas (6)

4) Brian Griese (5)

5) A.J. Feeley (8)

6) Sage Rosenfels (2)

7) Gus Frerotte (15)

8) Joey Harrington (11)

9) Daunte Culpepper (4)

10) Cleo Lemon (8)

11) Trent Green (5)

12) John Beck (4)

13) Chad Pennington (20)

14) Chad Henne (31)

15) Tyler Thigpen (1)

16) Matt Moore (12)

The best result of any was Chad Pennington, who led the Dolphins to the playoffs and a division title in 2008. But even then, he was at the end of his career, so as a fan, it was time to look ahead to the future. 

It was Thursday, April 26, 2012. The NFL Draft at Radio City Music Hall was about to get underway. The class was loaded with quarterbacks, highlighted by Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin III. My Dolphins had the 8th pick and were on the clock. Commissioner Roger Goodell approached the podium. My heart was racing. Could this be the year Miami selects a QB in the first round? 

"With the 8th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft, the Miami Dolphins select Ryan Tannehill, quarterback, Texas A&M." 

We finally selected a potential franchise quarterback! As most football fans know, Tannehill was a receiver for the majority of his collegiate career. He only started 20 games as a quarterback. Even with his critics however, he had all the tools to be the next leader of this franchise. Since being drafted, Tannehill has done just that, starting all 32 games the past two seasons. 

From Marino to Tannehill, I believe we've finally found the Hall-of-Famer's replacement!

The irony? The 17th quarterback (Tannehill) to start a game since Marino retired just happens to wear #17. In addition, when Ryan Tannehill made his first start in 2012, it was the 13th season since Marino's retirement. Tannehill is also the first quarterback taken in the first round of the draft by the Dolphins since Marino was selected 27th in 1983. 

From old-school to new-school, #13 to #17

I think the Phins have a keeper!