YEAR: 1965
SIGNIFICANCE: The AFL awarded its very 1st expansion franchise to Miami
There are certain ways to measure performance and success in regards to anything. For professional sports leagues, the ability to expand is a massive indicator of success and growth. Over a century ago today, the American Football League achieved the expansion phase in a business’ life and added the league’s ninth franchise. This team was and is still known as the Miami Dolphins.
Unfortunately in their first season, the Dolphins only managed a 3-13 record. However, it did not take long for them to become one of the most dominant teams in football. Above all, this event paved the way for further expansion for the AFL in years to come. Only a few years later (1968) the AFL made its next addition with the Cincinnati Bengals.