The History of the Dolphin Logo
The Dolphins have had largely the same helmet design for over 50 years. Five different dolphins have appeared on Miami helmets:
Logos from Chris Creamer’s NFL Logo website. See also A Dolphin Takes Flight, Miami Herald
1966, 1969-73 (Dolphin #1)
The dolphins first wore the helmet with Dolphin #1 in 1966. The Dolphins brought back the helmet in 1969 and wore it through 1973. It’s in the Throwback Series 1 and Throwback 2-bar sets.
The Dolphins wore the helmet with the dolphin inside the ring (Dolphin #1) in 1994 and 2014-present as a throwback. However, the 1994 throwback had an aqua facemask. The helmet with no logo was a pre-season helmet the Dolphins wore between 1967 and 1971.
The Dolphins have worn this helmet as a throwback since 2015. In 2024, Riddell manufactured the throwback as part of it’s limited edition series. That helmet is in the photo below, along with a comparison to the traditional and 2-bar helmets from Riddell.
1966-68, 1974-88 (Dolphin #2)
Between 1966 and 1973, the Dolphins often interchangably wore Dolphin #1 and #2. Sometimes, players would wear the different helmets in the same game. In 1969, however, the Dolphins only wore Dolphin #1. So, the 1969 pocket pro helmet should display dolphin #1. That, however, is not the case.
1989-96 (Dolphin #3)
In 1989, the Dolphins introduced a new Dolphin helmet with a more svelte and darker-blue dolphin (dolphin #3). Riddell did not manufacture a pocket pro for this helmet. It’s only available as a custom.
The Dolphins wore this helmet as a throwback at their 2003 Thanksgiving game.
1997-2012 (Dolphin #4)
In 1990, the Dolphins introduced a sleeker, more modern and aggressive look (dolphin #4). The 1997-12 helmet added a dark blue stripe to the configuration. This helmet is included in the chrome, traditional and revolution sets.
2013-17 and 2018-present (Dolphin #5)
2013 saw the introduction of an even newer and more modern dolphin (dolphin #5). Other changes include the white facemask and striping pattern (aqua, orange, and navy blue). This helmet is available in the revolution and speed sets.
In 2018, the Dolphins brightened up the sunbeam and removed the thin black line from the stripes. This helmet is in the speed set.
Dolphins Pocket Pro Super Bowl Helmets
Custom Dolphins Pocket Pro Helmets
Checklist
Last update: 8/20/23
| Years | Color | Facemask | Logo | Stripe | Pocket helmet |
| 1966, 69-73 2015-present throwback | White | Grey | Dolphin #1 | Aqua-white-orange-white-aqua stripes | Throwback Series 1 Throwback 2-bar Speed – limited edition series |
| 1966-68, 1974-79 | White | Grey | Dolphin #2 | Aqua-white-orange-white-aqua stripes | Throwback Series 2 Throwback AFC 1969 2-bar |
| 1967-71 (pre-season) | White | Grey | None | Aqua-white-orange-white-aqua stripes | None |
| 1980-88 | White | Aqua | Dolphin #2 | Aqua-white-orange-white-aqua stripes | None |
| 1989-96 2003 throwback | White | Aqua | Dolphin #3 | Aqua-white-orange-white-aqua stripes | None |
| 1994 throwback | White | Aqua | Dolphin #1 | Aqua-white-orange-white-aqua stripes | None |
| 1997-2012 | White | Aqua | Dolphin #4 | Aqua-blue-white-orange-white-blue-aqua | Traditional Revolution Chrome |
| 2013-17 | White | White | Dolphin #5 | Orange-blue-aqua-blue-orang | Revolution Speed |
| 2018-present | White | White | Dolphin #5 | Orange-aqua-orange | Speed |
Super Bowl
- Dolphins Super Bowl 7 (2-bar style)
- Dolphins Super Bowl 8 (2-bar style)
- Dolphins Super Bowl 7 Chrome
- Dolphins Super Bowl 8 Chrome
References
- Bill’s Sports Map – AFC East
- Gridiron Uniform Database
- Miami Herald, A Dolphin Takes Flight
Riddell NFL Pocket Pro Helmets 