Dolphin Stadium

Lore & Background

The 2006 season at Dolphin Stadium was defined by a rollercoaster of hopes and disappointments. After winning their last six games in 2005 and being picked by Sports Illustrated to reach Super Bowl XLI, fans arrived expecting glory. However, the facility hosted a team that ultimately finished 6–10. The stadium saw the debut of quarterback Daunte Culpepper, acquired via trade from the Minnesota Vikings on March 14, 2006. His performance was scrutinized heavily here; in Week 1 against Pittsburgh, he threw two interceptions and floated passes that nearly cost the game. By Week 2 against Buffalo, the frustration mounted as Culpepper was sacked seven times and fumbled twice while the Bills dominated at this very location.

In Their Own Story

The atmosphere at Dolphin Stadium shifted dramatically throughout the 2006 campaign. In Week 3, the venue finally erupted with joy as kicker Olindo Mare kicked a 39-yard field goal to secure the team's first win against the Tennessee Titans, ending a winless start. Yet, the stadium also witnessed heartbreak, such as in Week 7 against the Green Bay Packers. Quarterback Joey Harrington attempted a record 62 passes (completing 33) for 414 yards but threw three interceptions, one returned for a touchdown. The crowd watched Ahman Green rush for about 100 yards and score on a 70-yard run while Brett Favre threw two touchdowns. These moments encapsulated the season's volatility within the Miami Gardens facility.

Reader's Guide

Visitors to Dolphin Stadium in 2006 experienced a venue central to the team's identity during a turbulent year. The stadium hosted key AFC East battles, including games against the Buffalo Bills and New York Jets, though the latter took place at Giants Stadium. Inside, fans witnessed strategic coaching decisions, such as head coach Nick Saban attempting to challenge an 87-yard touchdown reception by Heath Miller in Week 1, only for officials to miss his red flag before the extra point was kicked. The facility also saw roster turnover, with longtime players like Sam Madison replaced and new faces like L.J. Shelton and Will Allen making their mark on the field.

Did You Know?

• The Dolphins were picked by Sports Illustrated to reach Super Bowl XLI before the 2006 season began.
• Quarterback Daunte Culpepper was traded to Miami on March 14, 2006, in exchange for a second-round draft pick from the Minnesota Vikings.
• In Week 7 against Green Bay, Joey Harrington set a record with 62 pass attempts but threw two interceptions.
• Head coach Nick Saban failed to get officials to review an out-of-bounds catch by Heath Miller in a 2005 game at Heinz Field because he did not throw his red flag before the extra point was kicked.
• The Dolphins missed signing Drew Brees after doctors informed them his shoulder injury from San Diego was too severe.