[History] The Visual Identity of the Miami Dolphins

Title: The Evolution of the Miami Dolphins’ Visual Identity

The visual identity of a sports team is a crucial aspect of its branding, and the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League (NFL) are no exception. The team’s logo, colors, and uniforms have evolved over the years, reflecting changes in design trends and the team’s own history. This article will explore the evolution of the Miami Dolphins’ visual identity from their inception in 1966 to the present day.

The Original Logo (1966-1973)

The Miami Dolphins were established in 1966 as an expansion team in the American Football League (AFL). Their original logo was designed by cartoonist Bob O’Link and featured a sunburst with a leaping dolphin wearing a football helmet. The dolphin was depicted in a playful, cartoonish style, reflecting the fun and excitement of the new team. The team’s colors were aqua, orange, and white, inspired by the vibrant hues of South Florida’s tropical environment.

The Classic Logo (1974-1996)

In 1974, the Dolphins updated their logo to a more streamlined and aggressive-looking dolphin, while retaining the sunburst and helmet. This design was created by NFL Properties, the league’s marketing arm. The aqua color was darkened, and navy blue was added to the color scheme. This logo is often associated with the Dolphins’ “perfect season” in 1972 when they became the only team in NFL history to finish a season undefeated and win the Super Bowl.

The Modern Logo (1997-2012)

In 1997, the Dolphins underwent another logo change. The dolphin was made more three-dimensional and muscular, and the sunburst was replaced with a more stylized sun. The helmet was also removed from the dolphin, giving it a sleeker look. This logo was designed by Florida-based artist Sean Kelly.

The Current Logo (2013-Present)

In 2013, the Dolphins unveiled their current logo, which was designed by the NFL’s Creative Services division. The dolphin is now depicted in a more abstract and stylized manner, swimming in front of a sunburst. The helmet is gone, and the dolphin no longer appears to be leaping but swimming forward, symbolizing progress and forward movement. The colors have been slightly tweaked, with the aqua becoming brighter and the navy blue being replaced with a darker shade of aqua.

Uniforms

The Dolphins’ uniforms have also evolved over the years. The original uniforms featured aqua jerseys with white numbers and orange trim, paired with white pants with an aqua-orange-aqua stripe. In 1972, the Dolphins introduced an alternate white jersey, which has since become their primary jersey. In 1997, coinciding with the logo change, the Dolphins updated their uniforms with a more modern look, featuring bolder numbers and stripes. In 2013, along with the new logo, the Dolphins unveiled new uniforms that are a modern interpretation of their classic look.

Conclusion

The visual identity of the Miami Dolphins has evolved significantly since the team’s inception in 1966. Each change has reflected not only design trends but also the team’s own history and aspirations. Today, the Dolphins’ logo and uniforms are instantly recognizable symbols of one of the NFL’s most storied franchises.