Tom Leyden's History of Football: Episode IV: 1972 (Bob Griese)

TB25 - A History of Football

Tom Leyden and Butch Stearns are joined by Pro Football Hall of Famer Bob Griese as they tell the story of the 1972 NFL season. The Dolphins bounced back from their Super Bowl VI loss to the Cowboys to go undefeated and beat the Washington Redskins 14-7 in Super Bowl VII. No team has won a Super Bowl as an undefeated team again. Griese shares how Don Shula turned the Dolphins into winners, what motivated the players every week en route to the 17-0 season and where he feels the team stacks up in NFL history. The 1972 season featured some memorable playoff games, including the Steelers "Immaculate Reception" win over the Raiders and the Cowboys fourth-quarter rally win over the 49ers - both on the same day. The Redskins qualified for the Super Bowl under the leadership of George Allen, in his second year with the squad. Washington won the NFC East, unseating the defending champion Cowboys in the process and knocking off Dallas in the NFC Championship Game. Miami, despite having the AFC's top record, traveled to Pittsburgh to play the Steelers in the AFC Championship Game. With his team trailing in the third quarter, Shula turned to Griese, who had missed much of the season with a broken ankle, to relieve veteran QB Earl Morrall. Griese led a comeback win over the Steelers and went on to start in Super Bowl VII, a game the Dolphins dominated despite the misleading margin of victory. The Dolphins avenged the Super Bowl VI loss and clinched an indelible spot in NFL lore, becoming the first (and only) undefeated champion.