The 2024 Miami Dolphins season will kick off on Sunday against the Jacksonville Jaguars, closely coinciding with the 30-year anniversary of a historic opening-day game they had against the New England Patriots. This memorable game took place at Joe Robbie Stadium, now known as Hard Rock Stadium, and is the subject of a new documentary.
Former Dolphins wide receiver OJ McDuffie, who hosts “The Fish Tank” podcast, will unveil “Fish Tank Iconic: The Comeback” on the team’s YouTube channel this Tuesday at 7 PM ET. This mini-documentary includes insights from key players such as Irving Fryar, another ex-Dolphins wide receiver, who had a standout performance during the game with 211 receiving yards and three touchdowns, including the decisive score.
Marino hits Irving Fryar to put #Dolphins up 39-35 over #Patriots on September 4, 1994. pic.twitter.com/3vpJFrQv3N
— Phil de Montmollin (@pdemontmollin) May 28, 2019
The game also marked a high point in the careers of Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino and Patriots quarterback Drew Bledsoe, who were both at their competitive best. Marino was returning from a torn Achilles tendon sustained in 2023, making this game his comeback. Fryar recounted the crucial fourth-and-five play from the Patriots’ 35-yard line where Marino delivered a perfect pass to him for the winning touchdown, securing a 39-35 victory for Miami.
The strategic complexities of the game were also highlighted by Fryar, who discussed how he fooled the defense into thinking he was blocking, thereby giving him the chance to make the game-winning catch.
Sports columnist Dave Hyde described the Marino versus Bledsoe matchup as resembling a heavyweight championship fight, filled with relentless action. Bledsoe, a longtime admirer of Marino, even mentioned his plans to ask for Marino’s autograph after the game.
Fryar expressed gratitude for his seasons in Miami, particularly for the opportunity to work with legendary figures like Marino and coach Don Shula, emphasizing the honor of being associated with such significant moments and personalities in football history.