Seventeen and Oh: Miami, 1972, and the NFL's Only Perfect Season

The 1972 Miami Dolphins were the only undefeated team in NFL history, led by Don Shula and a diverse group of players. The season was marked by turbulent cultural and political events, including the culture wars, Nixon's reelection campaign, Watergate, and the Vietnam War. Despite their differences, the team found a way to meld seamlessly into a perfect team. Marshall Jon Fisher's Seventeen and Oh is a compelling account of this unique season.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 21 July 2022
Publisher: Abrams

The 1972 Miami Dolphins, the only undefeated team in NFL history, embarked on a remarkable journey on the 50th anniversary of that magical season. In the wake of their previous Super Bowl defeat, this team of overlooked and underappreciated players was led by the brilliant young coach Don Shula, driven by a burning desire to erase the perception that he couldn't win the big game. As the Dolphins entered their seventh season, all eyes were on Miami, as the city hosted both national political conventions amidst a turbulent backdrop of the culture wars, the Nixon reelection campaign, the unfolding saga of Watergate, and the war in Vietnam.

Generational and cultural divides were evident within the team as well. The roster featured a mix of long-haired party animals like Jim "Mad Dog" Mandich, stylish players like Marv Fleming and Curtis Johnson, and conservative, straight-laced men like quarterbacks Bob Griese and the crew-cut savior, 38-year-old backup Earl Morrall. Larry Csonka and Jim Kiick, known as "Butch and Sundance," had to make way for a third running back, the outspoken and flamboyant Mercury Morris. Despite their diverse backgrounds, this racially and culturally diverse group of players found a way to blend seamlessly into a cohesive unit.

Marshall Jon Fisher's Seventeen and Oh is a captivating and fast-paced account of a season that defied all expectations. It delves into the personal stories of the players, their struggles, and their triumphs, painting a vivid picture of a team that came together to achieve greatness. The book explores the team's unwavering determination, their strategic brilliance, and their resilience in the face of adversity. It also sheds light on the social and political climate of the time, providing a backdrop that adds depth and context to the Dolphins' remarkable journey.

Seventeen and Oh is a testament to the power of teamwork, perseverance, and the indomitable human spirit. It reminds us that even in the face of adversity, when individuals come together with a common goal, they can achieve the extraordinary. The 1972 Miami Dolphins may have been overlooked and underestimated, but their legacy as the only undefeated team in NFL history will forever be etched in the annals of sports history. This book serves as a definitive chronicle of that magical season, offering a glimpse into the lives of the players and the team that changed the game of football forever.

Weight: 664g
Dimension: 162 x 236 x 40 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781419748509