Two decades filled with struggles have left the Miami Dolphins with a generation of fans that know only the stories of what this once-proud franchise was capable of. Super Bowl victories, an undefeated season, the Killer B’s, historic offenses — these are all just fairy tales to many Dolphins fans who were not alive to see it for themselves.
And the mediocrity that has come in the wake of all that success? It is taking a toll on Dolphins fans — or at least according to ESPN’s new ranking of the most miserable fan bases in sports.
The Dolphins sit at No. 7 on the list. And while Dolphins fans would be right to dispute that, it is a fair observation to make that the long-term struggle of the Dolphins makes for some pretty downtrodden times.
Here is what ESPN’s T.J. Berka had to say about Miami fans:
“The “Miami Miracle” was the most exciting thing that has happened to the Dolphins in roughly 20 years, which highlights the funk this franchise has been in since Dan Marino retired. For the second consecutive year and for the ninth time in 10 seasons, the Dolphins — who used to be a playoff staple under Don Shula and Jimmy Johnson — failed to make the postseason. They also find themselves starting over at coach and QB again. Not even Nick Saban was able to win here.”
Do you know what would help? Winning. Any level of sustained winning would captivate the most recent generation of Dolphins fans for the first time — and the enthusiasm would be infectious. Which is why whether or not you agree with the tactics the Dolphins are implementing in 2019, all fans should hope that it works.
Other names on the list are San Diego Padres, Buffalo Bills, New York Knicks, Milwaukee Brewers, Washington Redskins, Baltimore Orioles, Texas Rangers and many more. Sacramento Kings tops the list.
