The Miami Dolphins’ All-Time Top Offensive Starting 11!

The Miami Dolphins, one of the NFL’s most storied franchises, have seen a plethora of iconic players grace their roster over the years. With three Super Bowl appearances and two championships to their name, the Dolphins have built a rich legacy. The franchise has been home to a range of players—some household names, others quietly pivotal to the team’s success—who have shaped the history of the team, particularly on the offensive side of the ball.

In this article, we’ll dive into the all-time top offensive starting 11 for the Miami Dolphins. Each position on the field is represented by a player who defined what it meant to be a Dolphin. Whether it’s through record-breaking performances, championship victories, or long-standing excellence, these players stand above the rest. Let’s break it down position by position.

Quarterback: Dan Marino

Years Active: 1983-1999
Key Achievements:

1984 NFL MVP
9-time Pro Bowler
61,361 career passing yards (currently 6th all-time)
420 career touchdown passes (currently 8th all-time)
NFL single-season passing yard record in 1984 (5,476 yards, broken in 2011 by Drew Brees)

When discussing the Miami Dolphins, the first player that immediately comes to mind is Dan Marino. One of the most prolific quarterbacks in NFL history, Marino never won a Super Bowl, but his legacy is undiminished. He was a pioneer for the passing game in an era when the NFL was predominantly a run-first league. His 1984 season, where he threw for over 5,400 yards and 48 touchdowns, was a monumental achievement and set the stage for the passing revolution that would follow in the NFL.

Marino had a rare combination of arm strength, accuracy, and quick release, making him one of the most dangerous quarterbacks the league has ever seen. His ability to change the game with a single pass made him a nightmare for opposing defenses, and he is widely regarded as one of the greatest to ever play the position. His numbers, which were ahead of their time, solidified his place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and on the Dolphins’ all-time starting 11.

Running Back: Larry Csonka

Years Active: 1968-1974, 1979
Key Achievements:

2-time Super Bowl Champion (VII, VIII)
5-time Pro Bowler
NFL Offensive Player of the Year (1972)
Miami Dolphins Ring of Honor
Part of the NFL’s 1970s All-Decade Team

Larry Csonka was the heart and soul of the Dolphins’ offense during their golden era in the early 1970s, particularly during the perfect season of 1972. A bruising fullback known for his relentless running style and toughness, Csonka was integral to the Dolphins’ success in both the regular season and playoffs. He earned his place as one of the NFL’s top backs, combining size (6’3”, 250 pounds) with surprising agility and excellent vision.

Csonka played a pivotal role in the Dolphins’ back-to-back Super Bowl victories in 1972 and 1973. His power running helped the Dolphins dominate opponents, with a memorable performance in Super Bowl VIII where he ran for over 100 yards and scored two touchdowns. He remains a beloved figure in Miami, as well as a symbol of the team’s most successful period.

Fullback: Keith Byars

Years Active: 1986-1992
Key Achievements:

2-time Pro Bowler
1989 NFL Comeback Player of the Year
14 total touchdowns in 1990 season

Though not as well-known as some of the other names on this list, Keith Byars was a steady and productive force during his time with the Dolphins. His versatility as a runner, receiver, and blocker made him invaluable in the backfield. Byars was one of the most well-rounded fullbacks of the 1980s and early 1990s, consistently contributing in both the ground game and the passing attack.

Notably, Byars was the recipient of a number of short-yardage passes, and his ability to catch out of the backfield helped elevate the Dolphins’ offense during his time in Miami. His 1989 comeback season remains one of the most impressive individual performances in franchise history.

Wide Receiver: Mark Duper

Years Active: 1982-1992
Key Achievements:

2-time Pro Bowler
Miami Dolphins Ring of Honor
8,869 career receiving yards
Member of the NFL’s 1980s All-Decade Team

Mark Duper, alongside his partner in crime, Mark Clayton, made up one of the most dangerous wide receiver duos of the 1980s. Duper was known for his blazing speed, which allowed him to stretch the field and create big-play opportunities for the Dolphins. His deep-threat ability put a constant strain on opposing defenses, forcing them to account for his speed on every snap.

Duper’s precise route-running and ability to make difficult catches deep downfield made him a go-to option for Dan Marino, and his chemistry with the quarterback was a key factor in the Dolphins’ offensive success. His 8,869 career receiving yards and 59 touchdowns are impressive, especially considering the run-heavy nature of Miami’s offense during some of his years.

Wide Receiver: Mark Clayton

Years Active: 1983-1992
Key Achievements:

4-time Pro Bowler
1984 First-team All-Pro
550 career receptions
7,000 career receiving yards
Miami Dolphins Ring of Honor

Mark Clayton was the perfect complement to Mark Duper, forming a dynamic duo that terrorized defensive backs in the 1980s. Clayton was known for his precise route running, excellent hands, and uncanny ability to make big plays. While Duper had the speed, Clayton had the agility and sharpness to excel in all areas of the field.

In 1984, Clayton set a franchise record with 18 touchdowns in a single season, a testament to his ability to find the end zone. His chemistry with Marino was undeniable, and he remains one of the franchise’s all-time greats.

Tight End: Mike Gesicki

Years Active: 2018-2022
Key Achievements:

2-time Pro Bowler
18 career touchdowns
2nd all-time in Dolphins history for receiving yards by a tight end

While Miami has had several great tight ends over the years, Mike Gesicki stands out as one of the more dynamic and recent players. Known for his impressive athleticism, large frame, and ability to stretch the field, Gesicki quickly became one of the most dangerous receiving targets on the team.

He was especially valuable in the red zone, where his height and leaping ability made him an ideal target for touchdown passes. Gesicki’s big-play ability and versatility in the passing game made him a key piece in the Dolphins’ offense during his tenure.

Offensive Tackle: Richmond Webb

Years Active: 1990-2000
Key Achievements:

5-time Pro Bowler
2-time First-team All-Pro
Miami Dolphins Ring of Honor

Richmond Webb was one of the most dominant offensive tackles in NFL history, and he protected Dan Marino’s blindside for over a decade. Webb was known for his elite pass protection, which allowed Marino to stand in the pocket and deliver strikes down the field without fear of pressure from defenders. His strength, footwork, and awareness made him one of the top tackles of the 1990s.

Webb’s consistency and dominance in both the running and passing games solidified him as one of the all-time greats in Dolphins history. He earned five Pro Bowl selections and two first-team All-Pro nods during his career, and his impact on the field cannot be overstated.

Offensive Tackle: Jake Long

Years Active: 2008-2013
Key Achievements:

4-time Pro Bowler
2-time First-team All-Pro
2008 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year

Jake Long was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, and he quickly lived up to the hype, establishing himself as one of the top left tackles in the league. His combination of size (6’7″, 320 pounds), athleticism, and technique made him a dominant force on the line for Miami.

Long anchored the Dolphins’ offensive line for several seasons, providing solid protection for quarterbacks like Chad Henne and, later, Ryan Tannehill. His four Pro Bowls and two All-Pro selections highlight his dominance during his prime years.

Guard: Larry Little

Years Active: 1969-1980
Key Achievements:

5-time Pro Bowler
2-time First-team All-Pro
NFL Hall of Famer
Member of the NFL’s 1970s All-Decade Team

Larry Little was the cornerstone of the Dolphins’ offensive line during the 1970s, particularly during the team’s back-to-back Super Bowl championships. Little was an exceptionally powerful and tough guard who cleared paths for Larry Csonka and the Dolphins’ running backs.

His ability to control the line of scrimmage helped the Dolphins establish one of the NFL’s best rushing attacks. His dominance on the interior line earned him five Pro Bowls and two All-Pro selections, solidifying his place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Guard: Jim Langer

Years Active: 1970-1979
Key Achievements:

5-time Pro Bowler
2-time First-team All-Pro
NFL Hall of Famer

Jim Langer was the anchor of the Dolphins’ offensive line during the 1970s and one of the key pieces of their perfect season. Known for his smarts and toughness, Langer excelled at reading defenses and making quick adjustments to keep the Dolphins’ offense on track.

Langer’s dominance in both the running game and the passing game made him a vital part of the Dolphins’ success in the 1970s. He earned five Pro Bowls and two All-Pro selections, and his play helped Miami win two Super Bowls during that era.

Center: Dwight Stephenson

Years Active: 1980-1987
Key Achievements:

5-time Pro Bowler
2-time First-team All-Pro
NFL Hall of Famer

Dwight Stephenson is widely regarded as one of the best centers in NFL history. He was a key figure on the Dolphins’ offensive line during the 1980s, earning five Pro Bowl selections and two All-Pro nods. Known for his quickness, agility, and ability to control the line of scrimmage, Stephenson was a key part of one of the league’s best offenses during his time in Miami.

He was an elite pass protector and one of the top run blockers of his era, allowing the Dolphins to maintain one of the most balanced offensive attacks in the league. His induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998 solidified his legacy as one of the franchise’s all-time greats.

The Miami Dolphins’ all-time offensive starting 11 is a collection of legendary players who have left an indelible mark on the franchise’s rich history. From Dan Marino’s air assault to the dominant offensive line of the 1970s, this team is built on excellence, toughness, and the ability to score from anywhere on the field. Each of these players not only contributed significantly to the success of the Dolphins but also helped shape the broader landscape of the NFL. Together, they represent the very best of what the Dolphins’ offense has to offer.