Jason Taylor 1997 SP Authentic
Despite his exceptional career at Akron, Jason Taylor lasted until the 3rd round of the 1997 NFL Draft. He was selected there by the Miami Dolphins. The defensive end rapidly became on of the premier pass rushers in the league. Taylor made 6 Pro Bowls and was the 2006 NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
Now a defensive line coach at the University of Miami, the former Dolphin was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017. Taylor's 1997 SP Authentic rookie card is hard to find in high grades and a PSA 10 sells for close to $500.
Dwight Stephenson 1984 Topps
Image via eBayA great center can change a team's entire offense. And the Dolphins acquired a great center during the 2nd round of the 1980 draft. Despite his draft pedigree, Miami opted against making Dwight Stephenson their full-time starter until late in his second season.
Stephenson would go on to become not only the best center in the league, but one of the greatest of all time. He had a short career, retiring after a knee injury suffered during the 1987 season. Still, Stephenson was so dominant that he was enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 1988. His 1984 Topps rookie card is popular and sells for around $50 in a PSA 9.
Bob Greise 1968 Topps
Image via eBayGreise, an incredible athlete, played baseball, basketball, and football at Purdue University. Eventually, he realized that football was his best sport and he was drafted by the Dolphins in 1967. Griese would become a star for Miami and led the team to two Super Bowl wins in 1972 and 1973.
Eventually, Dan Marino would come on the scene and shatter all the records set by Griese. Still, Griese has stayed in the public eye as a broadcaster and his cards are sought after. His 1968 Topps rookie card goes for around $400 in PSA 8 condition.
Larry Csonka 1969 Topps
Image via PWCCOne of the main reasons for the success of the 1970s Dolphins was that they were able to play strong defense and run the ball. Larry Csonka, a bruising fullback from Syracuse, was an essential component of the ball-control offense. He led Miami in rushing for 5 consecutive seasons.
Over the course of his career, Csonka made 5 Pro Bowls and was first-team All-Pro two times. Since his retirement, he has hosted several fishing and hunting television shows. Csonka's rookie card, an attractive example from the 1969 Topps set, goes for $300 in PSA 8 condition.
Dan Marino 1984 Topps
Image via PWCCThere were several outstanding quarterback prospects available during the 1983 Draft. Dan Marino was among the best of them but fell to the 27th overall pick. The Dolphins were thrilled to have the opportunity to select the signal caller from Pittsburgh. The return was immediate as Marino made the Pro Bowl in his first season.
By the time he retired in 1999, Marino held almost every passing record in league history. A 9-time Pro Bowler, the quarterback was elected into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2005. Marino's rookie is still a highly sought-after card and a PSA 9 copy will run for $400 to $500.
