“I’m such a baby ‘cause the Dolphins make me cry.” 7 year old me would live by those lyrics. Growing up as a Dolphins fan in New England has not been the most enjoyable. I’ve seen a lot of championships… but none from my beloved Dolphins. Don’t feel bad, I’ve put myself through this torture. But let’s get this straight. I wouldn’t change a thing.
It all started when I was 7 years old. My uncle, who grew up watching Dan Marino, loved the Dolphins. He went to a game in Miami and brought me back a white Zach Thomas jersey. I fell in love. The tropical colors, the feisty looking dolphin with the little helmet on his head. My uncle would tell me stories about how good the Dolphins were, emphasizing on how good Marino was. He would talk about games where he would do the unthinkable. Throwing the ball all around the field to the Marks brothers, his quick release, something at the time the league has never seen.
I was sucked in. I started to do my own research, watching highlights on YouTube, looking up stats, and watching the game with him every Sunday afternoon. We would toss the pigskin around before the games and I would pretend I was Chris Chambers. I felt enjoyment watching guys like Zach Thomas, Jason Taylor, Patrick Surtain, and Jay Fiedler make plays. When Ricky Williams signed with the Dolphins in 2002, he became my favorite player. He brought excitement. The dreads hanging out of the helmet, the game changing plays, his swagger was undeniable. I loved the Dolphins and started to develop the love for football. But I quickly realized that the Dolphins weren’t good. I used to get frustrated, hide in my room, and cry. I was a kid… give me a break!
December 7th, 2003. The date that changed my life. The first football game I’ve ever attended. Unfortunately, it was against the all mighty Patriots. There was at least a foot of snow on the ground and we couldn’t get to route 1, so we parked roughly a mile away from the stadium and walked on the train tracks behind Gillette Stadium to get in. My uncle had to put me on his shoulders because the snow was up to my waist. We finally get into the stadium and it’s already the second quarter. There I am, in snow covered Gillette Stadium, 30 rows up on the visitors 20 yard line, overlooking my favorite team. I’m pumped! I have my teal Dolphins snow suit on, freezing but happy to be there nonetheless. The Dolphins are down 3-0. If the Patriots win, they win the east. I’m there to stop it. No way the Fins lose on the first the game I ever attend. It’s the 4th quarter, Miami is hanging in there and then the unthinkable happens. Teddy Bruschi picks off Jay Fielder and runs it in for a touchdown. I felt like the stuffing in my snowsuit got ripped out. I’m getting pegged with snowballs from all the DOUCHEBAG Patriots fans. An anger rose from my little body that I’ve never experienced in my short life. An anger I’d never forget.
Everyone knows the rest of the story. The Patriots win the game 12-0, becoming the champions of the east. Blah. Blah. Blah. That’s when my hatred for the Patriots came to fruition. It fueled me. It gave me purpose. It made me love the Dolphins even more. I’ll always stand by my Dolphins through the hardships, the doubt, the losing seasons. I’ve see Dolphins at their ugliest times. Trying to find their franchise quarterback since Marino. My favorite player leaving the league to pursue something I didn’t understand. Choosing Dante Culpepper over Drew Brees. Nick “Satan” Saban bailing out after a year. The 1-15 season. Richie Incognito bullying Jonathan Martin. I’ve witnessed it all. I’ve also seen some really amazing things. Greg Camarillo taking it to the house against those dirty Ravens in the forgettable 2007 season. The turnaround season in 2008, lead by the great Tony Sparano and the wildcat offense. (I was at the game when the Dolphins torched the Patriots in New England that season.) The Miami Miracle. While the bad outweighs the good, it still gives me hope in the future.
Speaking of the future, I see a teal lining. As we near the kickoff to the 2019 Dolphins season, it already looks like a season to forget. This organization is clearly building for the future. They didn’t go out and spend money on big free agents. With a total of 13 picks the 2020 draft, including 2 first rounders, the plan is clear. Yes, giving up one of your centerpieces on the offensive line hurts, but it’s clear since Gase left that winning isn’t going to happen right now. Oddly enough, I’m okay with that. Many may call that a losers mentality, but when it comes down to it, I’d rather having the chance to be really good then stay mediocre. There’s the potential, if the right steps are taken, to be great.
The Miami Dolphins have changed my life. They’ve taught me many important life lessons. Build for the future. Set your goals high, even if those goals may take longer than you expected. Believe in yourself, when others don’t. When things aren’t right, it’s okay to start over to try to build something amazing. Take risks. Most importantly, to never give up, even when the odds are stacked against you.
As always, Fins Up.
Leo Sacco
4th and 1 Fantasy Football 