With the upstart AFL starting to catch on, AFL owners and Commissioner Joe Foss decided it was time for expansion. Seeing the opportunity to make a foothold on an untouched ground, Miami is chosen to begin play in 1966, 20 years after an AAFC team failed.

The team, which is owned by Joe Robbie and television star Danny Thomas chooses the name Dolphins in a name the team contest. On September 2nd, in front of a crowd of 26,776 at the Orange Bowl, the Dolphins get off to a fast start in their first regular-season game when Joe Auer returns the opening kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown.

The Dolphins would lose the game 23-14 to the Oakland Raiders. The Dolphins would not win their first game until October 16th against the Denver Broncos.

The highlight of the 24-7 victory was quarterback George Wilson Jr's screen pass to Billy Joe, which turned into a 67-yard touchdown. The Dolphins would not enjoy much success that first year finishing with a woeful 3-11 record.