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NFL Greatest Unsung Heroes In History of All 32 Teams

By Erik Lambert

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 8: Joe Jurevicius #83 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs with the ball while pursued by Ray Buchanan #34 of the Atlanta Falcons during the NFL game on December 8, 2002 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers defeated the Falcons 34-10. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 8: Joe Jurevicius #83 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs with the ball while pursued by Ray Buchanan #34 of the Atlanta Falcons during the NFL game on December 8, 2002 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers defeated the Falcons 34-10. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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UNITED STATES – FEBRUARY 17: Earl Morrall competes in the Pro-Am at the PGA Champions Tour ACE Classic, February 17, 2005 in Naples, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)
UNITED STATES – FEBRUARY 17: Earl Morrall competes in the Pro-Am at the PGA Champions Tour ACE Classic, February 17, 2005 in Naples, Florida. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images) /

Miami Dolphins

player. 59. . QB. Miami Dolphins. Earl Morrall . 19

There’s only one perfect team in NFL history. That’s the 1972 Miami Dolphins. One of the most fascinating pieces of trivia about that team is that they owe much of their success that season to a 38-year old backup quarterback. Now to be fair Earl Morrall wasn’t an ordinary backup. He’d been a two-time Pro Bowler by that point in his career and even won an MVP.

Most still felt though that his prime had long since passed. Don Shula had merely brought him in for experience and familiarity, having coached him years prior in Baltimore. Shula insisted that wasn’t the case. He truly felt Morrall had something left in the tank. The Dolphins would find out when their season was put in danger as star quarterback Bob Griese went down with an injury.

Morrall stepped in and immediately threw two touchdowns to preserve the victory. He would go on to win nine-straight games, earning All-Pro honors and helped them to their first victory in the playoffs over Cleveland. He was finally replaced by a healthy Griese in the AFC championship against Pittsburgh but his contributions were never and can never be taken away.

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