Fresh off the landmark 1970 AFL-NFL merger agreement, the Miami Dolphins utilized their high-value first-round pick (fourth overall) in the 1967 Common Draft to land Purdue signal-caller Bob Griese. The calculated move provided the infant franchise with an immediate field general. Throwing for over 2,000 yards in his debut season, the cool-headed rookie captured AFL All-Star recognition in both 1967 and 1968, laying the foundational brick for an emerging South Florida powerhouse.

The organization's trajectory shifted into overdrive in 1970 when head coach Don Shula arrived in Miami. Combining Shula's ironclad discipline with Griese’s sharp tactical mind, the duo unlocked a new ceiling for the franchise. Famous for calling his own plays at the line of scrimmage, Griese steered Miami to its first AFC Championship and an appearance in Super Bowl VI following the 1971 season. Despite a loss to Dallas in the big game, Griese’s stellar command earned him NFL MVP honors from the Newspaper Enterprise Association (NEA).

The 1972 campaign proved to be both his most testing and ultimate triumph. After breaking his leg in Week 5 against San Diego, Griese watched veteran backup Earl Morrall keep the win streak alive. Healthy enough to return during the postseason, Griese stepped back into the huddle for the AFC Championship Game and started Super Bowl VII, orchestrating a 14–7 victory over Washington to cap off a 17–0 march—the only unblemished, perfect season in NFL history.

Griese secured his place in gridiron history the following year by becoming the first quarterback to start three consecutive Super Bowls. In Super Bowl VIII against Minnesota, he executed Shula’s ground-and-pound strategy to absolute perfection, completing 6 of 7 passes while letting his backfield dismantle the Vikings in a 24–7 championship repeat.

Though Miami’s championship run eventually cooled, Griese remained an elite, calculating passer throughout the decade. He enjoyed an individual renaissance in 1977, winning the prestigious Bert Bell Award after leading the entire league with 22 passing touchdowns and an 87.8 passer rating. A six-time Pro Bowl selection during the 1970s, he capped his run by leading the league in completion percentage (63.0%) in 1978.

Griese retired after the 1980 season with 14 years at Miami, holding a 56.2% completion rate, 25,092 passing yards, 192 touchdowns, 172 interceptions, 994 rushing yards, and seven rushing touchdowns.

The Dolphins honored his legacy in 1982 by retiring his No. 12, the franchise's first. He was also an inaugural Miami Dolphins Honor Roll member in 1990. Canton enshrined Griese into the Hall of Fame that same year as part of the Class of 1990.