September 2, 1966: Joe Auer’s 95-Yard Return - The First Touchdown in Dolphins' History

On September 2, 1966, a new era of football began in Miami as the Dolphins, an expansion team in the American Football League (AFL), took the field for their first-ever regular-season game. The Orange Bowl was filled with anticipation and excitement as the Miami faithful gathered to witness history in the making. The Dolphins faced off against the Oakland Raiders, a formidable opponent with a well-established reputation in the league.

The game kicked off with Joe Auer ready to make history. In an electrifying moment that would forever be etched into the memories of Miami sports fans, Auer caught the opening kickoff and sprinted down the field, weaving through the Raiders’ defense. With a burst of speed and determination, he raced 95 yards to the end zone, scoring the first touchdown in Miami Dolphins’ history.

The opening touchdown set the tone for the game, energizing both the team and the fans in attendance. Although the Dolphins struggled in their early years and faced a challenging season, moments like Auer’s memorable run gave fans something to cheer about and set the stage for future success. The Raiders ultimately won the game 23-14, but Auer’s touchdown remains a significant highlight in the history of the Dolphins, marking the beginning of Miami’s journey in professional football.

Joe Auer’s 95-yard kickoff return not only marked the first points in Miami Dolphins’ history but also provided a bright moment in an otherwise challenging inaugural season. While the Dolphins struggled in their early years, Auer stood out as a key player, finishing the 1966 season as the team’s leading scorer with nine touchdowns and being named the Dolphins’ first-ever MVP. Although the team took a few more years to find consistent success, culminating in their historic undefeated season and Super Bowl wins in the early 1970s, moments like Auer’s return helped shape the franchise’s identity and laid the foundation for future achievements.

Looking back on that historic day, Joe Auer’s kickoff return symbolizes more than just a touchdown; it represents the beginning of a franchise that would eventually achieve remarkable success, including the only perfect season in NFL history. It signifies the start of a long-standing tradition of football in Miami, filled with memorable moments and iconic achievements.