It’s finally Super Bowl Sunday! I often reflect on the teams and players who made it to this grand stage but came up short. Forty years ago, the Miami Dolphins took the league by storm, with Dan Marino, in just his second season, shattering passing records. With his strong arm and lightning-fast release, the Dolphins amassed over 5,000 passing yards and 48 touchdowns. Their high-powered offense propelled them to a 14-2 record and a trip to Super Bowl XIX. Ironically, that remains the last time the Dolphins have reached the Super Bowl.
Former Oklahoma Sooner Mark Clayton, one of Dan Marino’s go-to receivers in the 1980s, reflected on the Dolphins’ 38-16 Super Bowl loss to the 49ers, four decades later. “Wow, forty years—it’s crazy. We didn’t play the way we expected after such an incredible regular season. I truly believed we’d make it to more than just one Super Bowl, but it just proves how tough it is to get back. You have to take full advantage of the opportunity because it might be your only shot at a championship. I’ve got to give credit to the Chiefs—going for three in a row and five of the last six? That’s just… (laughs) not fair,” Clayton said.
Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme came up short in his quest to bring a championship to the Tar Heel State. While Super Bowl XXXVIII is often remembered for Janet Jackson’s infamous wardrobe malfunction, on the field, Delhomme went head-to-head with Tom Brady. He threw three touchdowns but ultimately fell in a 32-29 loss.
Over the weekend, Delhomme shared his thoughts with me: “I don’t think about that result every day, but when Super Bowl time rolls around, I find myself reminiscing a lot. As time has gone on, I mostly remember the great moments from that season—it was the time of our lives. But I do still reflect on certain plays and think about what I could’ve done differently to help us win,” he said.
On Sunday, every player will carry the result with them forever. If they’re lucky, they’ll be remembered as champions, but no matter the outcome, the memories will stay with them for a lifetime. Kickoff is set for today at 6:30 p.m. ET.
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