Super Bowl XVII

Ricky Williams does not conform to America’s definition of the modern athlete. In 2004, with rumors of another positive marijuana test looming, the Miami Dolphins running back traded adulation and a mansion in South Florida for anonymity and a $7 a night tent in Australia. His decision created a media frenzy that dismantled his reputation and branded him as America's Pothead. But while most in the media thought Williams was ruining his life by leaving football, Ricky thought he was saving it. Through personal footage recorded with Williams during his time away from football and beyond, filmmaker Sean Pamphilon takes a fresh look at a player who had become a media punching bag and has since redeemed himself as a father and a teammate.

Forty-five years ago, the Miami Dolphins splashed into the NFL when Joe Auer returned the franchise’s opening kick-off 95 yards for a touchdown. It was the beginning of a historic journey encompassing some of the game’s legendary players, and the greatest single season in NFL history. From their start as an AFL doormat, witness their meteoric rise as Hall of Fame head coach Don Shula led Bob Griese, Larry Csonka and the “no-name defense” of the ‘70s to two world championships and the only undefeated season in pro football history. Later teams included “Killer B’s” defense of the ‘80s, record-setting quarterback Dan Marino and defensive powerhouses Jason Taylor and Zach Thomas. This film will grant you access to over four hours of extraordinary game highlights, behind-the-scenes footage, player and coach interviews, sound wires and more. Join NFL Films as they unfold a unique perspective on the living South Florida history that is the Miami Dolphins.

Super Bowl XIX, played on January 20, 1985, at Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto, California, saw the San Francisco 49ers dominate the Miami Dolphins 38-16, capturing their second Super Bowl title in franchise history. This game was a showcase of offensive brilliance, led by 49ers quarterback Joe Montana, and solidified the 49ers as a premier NFL dynasty of the 1980s.

Super Bowl XXVI, played on January 26, 1992, at the Metrodome in Minneapolis, featured a matchup between the Washington Redskins and the Buffalo Bills. For Washington, this was a chance to cap off one of the most dominant seasons in NFL history, while Buffalo, appearing in its second consecutive Super Bowl, was looking to redeem itself after the heartbreaking “wide right” loss in Super Bowl XXV.

Super Bowl VI, played on January 16, 1972, at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans, was a defining moment for the Dallas Cowboys, who shed their reputation as a team that couldn’t win the big game. After suffering a heartbreaking loss in Super Bowl V, the Cowboys returned determined to prove themselves against the Miami Dolphins, a young and rising team making its first Super Bowl appearance.

Super Bowl VII, played on January 14, 1973, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, was a historic game that cemented the Miami Dolphins’ place in NFL history. With their 14-7 victory over the Washington Redskins, the Dolphins completed the first—and still only—perfect season in NFL history, finishing 17-0. The win capped off a remarkable year for Miami, which had dominated the league with a suffocating defense, a powerful running game, and efficient quarterback play.

Super Bowl VIII, played on January 13, 1974, at Rice Stadium in Houston, was a showcase of sheer dominance by the Miami Dolphins. With a crushing 24-7 victory over the Minnesota Vikings, the Dolphins became just the second team in NFL history to win back-to-back Super Bowls, cementing their dynasty and further proving their place as one of the greatest teams ever assembled.

Super Bowl XVIII, played on January 22, 1984, at Tampa Stadium in Tampa, Florida, saw the Los Angeles Raiders defeat the Washington Redskins 38-9, securing their first Super Bowl title since the franchise relocated to Los Angeles. The Raiders’ victory marked a dominant performance that showcased their explosive offense and aggressive defense, capping off a season that included a 12-4 regular-season record.

Super Bowl XXII, played on January 31, 1988, at the Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego, California, saw the Washington Redskins defeat the Denver Broncos 42-10, securing their second Super Bowl title. The game was notable for Washington’s explosive second-quarter performance, which included one of the most memorable offensive displays in Super Bowl history.