Pro Player Park

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

The transition from Joe Robbie Stadium to Pro Player Park was part of Jimmy Johnson's first year as head coach, a season that also saw the retirement of legendary Don Shula after 26 straight seasons. The name 'Pro Player Park' existed for only two weeks in September 1996 before reverting to Pro Player Stadium just prior to the Week 3 matchup against the New York Jets. This rapid change occurred despite the stadium hosting a season where the Dolphins finished 8–8, failing to improve on their previous 9–7 record or qualify for the postseason. The venue witnessed historic moments during this brief window, including Dan Marino throwing his 50,000th career passing yard in a Week 11 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. It was also the final season since 1969 without Don Shula, though multiple Dolphins—including Dan Marino and Richmond Webb—were selected to the Pro Bowl that year.

In Their Own Story

The atmosphere at the stadium shifted dramatically between August and September 1996. On August 26, the signage changed to honor Pro Player, an apparel brand by Fruit of the Loom, as the Dolphins prepared for their opening contest. The team raced to a 24–3 lead against the New England Patriots in that first game under the new name, securing Johnson's first win since Super Bowl XXVIII. However, the 'Pro Player Park' era ended abruptly after that single home victory. On September 10, before the Week 3 showdown with the Jets, the stadium was renamed Pro Player Stadium. The name stuck for the rest of the season, a period defined by a rollercoaster record where the Dolphins won three straight to start, lost two, then rallied to finish 8–8. Fans watched Dan Marino become the first player to pass 50,000 yards on a 37-yard strike to O.J. McDuffie in Week 11, all within the walls of what had briefly been called Pro Player Park.

Reader's Guide

Visiting the site during the 1996 season meant navigating a unique naming transition. Fans attending games from August 26 until September 10 saw 'Pro Player Park' on the signage, while those arriving for Week 3 and beyond saw 'Pro Player Stadium.' The location remained constant as the Dolphins' home field in Miami Gardens. During this specific window, supporters witnessed intense matchups like the Week 9 clash against the Dallas Cowboys, where Barry Switzer declared no Dolphin could start on his team after a 29–10 loss. The venue also hosted a slugfest against the Jets in Week 3, featuring Aaron Glenn's 100-yard pick-six and Keyshawn Johnson's game-changing catch. For the casual observer, the stadium was simply where Jimmy Johnson led the Dolphins through their first season without Don Shula, ending with an 8–8 record and a final week victory over the Jets that capped off a year where no player earned a Pro Bowl selection.

Did You Know?

• The name 'Pro Player Park' was used for less than two weeks in September 1996 before being changed to Pro Player Stadium.
• Pro Player was an apparel brand by Fruit of the Loom, which purchased the naming rights on August 26, 1996.
• The stadium was renamed again on September 10, 1996, specifically before the team returned home for Week 3 against the Jets.
• This was the first season since 1969 without head coach Don Shula, but multiple Dolphins—including Dan Marino and Richmond Webb—made the Pro Bowl that year.
• During the 1996 season at this venue, Dan Marino became the first player in NFL history to pass for 50,000 yards.