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What is it like to be a Dolphins fan?

Discussion in 'Miami Dolphins Forum' started by Bpk, Nov 15, 2013.

  1. Bpk

    Bpk Premium Member Luxury Box

    Serious question. Rather than another thread fantasizing about what we think the Dolphins should do, or critiquing what they've done wrong, I want to ask a question we have every understanding of... our own experience as a fan of this team.

    So for you, individually, what is it like to be a Dolphins fan?
     
  2. jdallen1222

    jdallen1222 Well-Known Member

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    In 2008, it was pretty fun, but lately, not soo much.
     
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  3. rdhstlr23

    rdhstlr23 Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Pretty depressing. Not as depressing as say the Browns or Bills, but pretty defeated.
     
  4. vizi0n

    vizi0n Boom.. Club Member

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    Depressing... But my baseball team goes to the big dance a lot.. Makes up for it a little.

    Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk
     
  5. Bpk

    Bpk Premium Member Luxury Box

    For me, being a Dolphins fan has four states:

    1) When the Dolphins are making decisions I agree with, and they are winning
    I am elated. I feel excited. Exuberant. Proud to declare my fandom. I want to endlessly discuss the team with anyone who'll listen and I look forward to Sundays.

    2) When the Dolphins are not making decisions I agree with, but they are winning.
    I am happy, but humbled. Maybe I should surrender, let go of thinking I know what they 'need' to do and just enjoy the ride? At the back of mind I'm thinking, "Yeah, they'll see. Them not making decisions I agree with will catch up to them. They'll start losing, then they'll see I was right." Pretty crazy, hey?

    3) When the Dolphins are making decisions I agree with, but they are losing.
    I'm kinda disappointed but thinking, "You know, they're doing all the right stuff. We just have to not get discouraged and keep along this path. Patience."

    4) When the Dolphins are not making decisions I agree with, and they are losing.
    This must be the most manic, bi-polar state. I oscillate between angry indignation that they are so "Stupid" and clearly not making the decisions I *know* would get them winning... and a state of mild depression, showing up as a numb emotional disconnection from the team. At it's worst, I cannot bear to watch the carnage.


    I started the season in state #1 and now find myself in state #4.
     
  6. Speedy

    Speedy Dolfan forever! :-)

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    There is a high, then two lows, a high again, two lows... I enjoy it, but it's tough sometimes. But yeah, 2008 (my first year) was great.
     
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  7. Frumundah Finnatic

    Frumundah Finnatic U Mad Miami?

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    Like having waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay too much spicy Mexican food.
    You anticpate eating it, you love the taste. But at the end of the day you'll be screaming/crying in frustration/pain, while on the toilet.
     
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  8. RoninFin4

    RoninFin4 Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    I'd say right now a lot of what I feared going into the season and things I've picked up on since early in the season are coming to fruition. It deeply depresses me that this coaching staff appears to be in way over its head. Certainly there's internal issues between the staff and the personnel side of things. I'm to the point where I'm pretty much numb when they win, because as has been the case this year; they've played poorly. I'm pretty much numb when they lose because it's the same damn things week after week after week which go uncorrected that cost this team. The coaches are at the core of that. They have failed time and time again, and it sickens me.

    Right now, I just want change - I want Stephen Ross to press that metaphorical red detonate button and send Jeff Ireland and Dawn Aponte packing. He should send the coaching staff out the door with them, whilst deservedly kicking a few of them in the balls (Philbin, Turner, Coyle). Okay, not really, but you get my point. I think he should take to heart what this "council" has to say and hire a competent person to oversee the whole organization and have a hand in selecting a GM and helping that GM select a Head Coach - which is why I called for Miami to blow things up before the Cincinnati game.

    My worst fear is that this team actually continues to play as they have been and finish 8-8 and Philbin is retained. Barring some MAJOR changes to his staff; I'd have zero confidence in him moving forward and probably wouldn't be around here very much. I've already read more in the Draft Forum than I have in any year to this point since I've been a member of this site, which includes 2007.
     
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  9. djphinfan

    djphinfan Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    since Marino retired and since we moved into the morgue, the perception has gone downfield...the three guys that could of changed something and gave us our bravado back, walked out prematurely.
     
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  10. Bpk

    Bpk Premium Member Luxury Box

    So you become FinYank.
     
  11. phintasmic

    phintasmic Banned

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    It sucks. I clearly remember the Shula and Marino years. This team has been nothing like that since Don stepped down.

    My friend is a Broncos fan which makes it much worse. We haven't been relevant for years.
     
  12. trickyric

    trickyric New Member

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    Seriously, I could not agree more.
    As a season ticket holder since 1996 I am finally giving up. I cannot give this organization any more money.
    I won't stop being a fan but I can't in good conscience continue to finance billionaire morons like Stephen Ross.
     
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  13. Bpk

    Bpk Premium Member Luxury Box

    While I'm never happy to hear about our franchise having even fewer people coming out to games, I totally get where you're coming from.

    What will you do with the money instead?
     
  14. MikeHoncho

    MikeHoncho -=| Censored |=-

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    During the off-season?
    [​IMG]

    You mean during the regular season?
    [​IMG]
     
  15. CitizenSnips

    CitizenSnips hmm.

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    What's it like? Impossible.

    I thought saban was our guy. After years of wannyball, I was blown away by sabans game planning, dedication, and smarts. When he lied to us, and did exactly what he said he wouldn't, I was devastated. Then came Cameron. Wasn't high on him, but I thought "hey, chargers offense is pretty good." On draft day, taking ginn over Quinn/Willis, and then selling us on his family, it was clear he was lost. Then came parcells. Was this it? Would our team finally propel itself back relevance? 2008 was a shining moment of joy or us all. It was just perfect. Arguably the greatest us fans have felt in decades. Then it all fell apart and unraveled so quickly. Parcells leaves. New owner comes in. Ireland stays. The harbaugh fiasco happens. Sparanos gone later. In comes Philbin. Steady guy, not much to hate. In comes tannehill. The first legitimate ray of light in a storm of darkness. Goes 7-9 as a rookie. Then an offseason of big spending. Fastest wr in the league. It's all coming together. Maybe this is it. Then clabo ****s us on he field, and Martin ****s us off it. Then we lose to the 0-8 bucs.

    How's it feel? Impossible.
     
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  16. phintasmic

    phintasmic Banned

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    I changed my mind.

    This team is BORING.

    That's the word.

    Boring to watch, not fun at all.
     
  17. Bpk

    Bpk Premium Member Luxury Box

    So it's a singalong followed by a delicious tailgate party bbq?
     
  18. trickyric

    trickyric New Member

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    Canes tickets!
     
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  19. jdallen1222

    jdallen1222 Well-Known Member

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    Supposedly, they're coming back.
     
  20. JimToss

    JimToss Thank You Chad Pennington

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    I mean this is my choice. I am a Dolphins fan.
    It is frustrating at points, but lets be honest we really do bring it on ourselves. We care because we want to, not because we have to.

    Overall being a fan of the Dolphins even with the constant ups and downs, still brings me me enjoyment then three consecutive 0-16 seasons ever could beat out of me.
    If that ever changes, I move on.
    Until then...Go Phins!
     
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  21. trickyric

    trickyric New Member

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    I am gonna stay a fan. I am just not going to invest all my Sundays from 2 hours before a game to an hour after and 3 grand to do it.
    I can Tivo games at home, start watching them 45 minutes in and skip all the commercials. If they suck I can just delete.
    I am tired of giving my support to an organization run by morons.
     
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  22. Starry31

    Starry31 Phins and Heels.

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    :nutkicker:
     
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  23. Phinatic74

    Phinatic74 New Member

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    Embarrassing... One I,m not from Miami so where I'm from its a violation to follow a 2nd team from a distant city and now that I came out as a fish follower about 3 years ago I get ridiculed for being a fugazzi and for choosing a team that's never been good but they don't realize the dolphins were coming off a Superbowl loss to Washington when I was old enough to start liking a team. But no one cares the team hasnt won in 30 years ..Embarrassing... No better word.
     
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  24. LBsFinest

    LBsFinest Banned

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    Pretty embarrassing
     
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  25. Section126

    Section126 We are better than you. Luxury Box

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    Imagine waking up in the morning to Scarlett Johansen.....

    No Sex, but there is the "hint" that it could happen...and she actually flirts with you heavily...........but every single day around lunch time.......she sidles up to you......gives you a big smile....passes her hand on your shoulder.......kisses you on the cheek.......... and then kicks you in the balls as hard as she can. She then goes and bangs her boyfriend, and goes on with her day.

    Then it happens all over again the next day..and the next day...and the next day...
     
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  26. The G Man

    The G Man Git 'r doooonnne!!!

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    Back in the 70's I was extremely proud to say the Dolphins were my team. Based on their success of course, but also just based on their style of play (hard nosed, smash mouth football), which was a direct reflection of Shula. During the Marino years, while there were quite a few mediocre seasons that ended without a playoff birth, there was not a QB on the face of the planet I would rather root for than Marino. He was just so much fun to watch play. Truly the most fun I've had as a sports fan. Post Marino it just hasn't been the same. And, it just seems like with each passing year we become more and more dysfunctional. It's gotten to the point where I'm almost embarrassed to tell anyone that I'm a Dolphins fan.
     
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  27. SICK

    SICK Lounge Moderator

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    [​IMG]
     
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  28. Starry31

    Starry31 Phins and Heels.

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    The 3-0 start followed by 1-5 compares pretty well to a pretty woman getting you excited, then you dropping your pants and getting a good kick to the balls. The crazy thing is, even after that kick I'm still holding out hope (I haven't given up on the playoffs quite yet).
     
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  29. Kud_II

    Kud_II Realist Division

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    About the same as it is to be a Gamecocks fan. Extremely painful.
     
  30. FanMarino

    FanMarino Season Ticket Holder

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    For me? I was 15yrs old when i became a Phin fan. That was in 1985. Since? SILENCE. NOTHING. SQUAT. Message ends. P.S...root for the Phins every damn game hoping they will prove my faith wasn't wasted. Still waiting but i'm hardcore and totally blessed that i'm a Phin Die-Hard.
     
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  31. TooGoodForDez

    TooGoodForDez Deion Sanders for GM

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    It's great, there is always only hope. Expectations are low, product is not a must watch so you don't have to be glued to TV or anticipate games. It's very loose and offseason oriented.
     
  32. FanMarino

    FanMarino Season Ticket Holder

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    Doesn't help when ThePhins.com home page is headed by a game against the Saints! How many weeks ago was that? If the Gods of this website can't be arsed to even give a week to week upgrade then what does that say? Guess the rot really has set in. Sort it out!! Not good guys.
     
  33. RevRick

    RevRick Long Haired Leaping Gnome Club Member

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    Gruesomely exasperating!

    Hurt so good.
    Come on baby, make it hurt so good.
    Sometimes love don't feel like it should.
    You make it hurt so good.

     
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  34. Killer Bees

    Killer Bees Bringin' the Ruckus

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    The feeling of being a dolphin fan is like when your parents sent your childhoood dog away "to the farm".
     
  35. phinswolverinesrockets

    phinswolverinesrockets If he dies, he dies

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    i hate myself for loving this team...i blame marino.
     
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  36. djphinfan

    djphinfan Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    It only sucks because we've played poorly to average for so long, and we have no home field advantage to stick our chests out, however, that it no way wavers my fandom, quite frankly, I have no clue what folks are talking about when they say their giving up, or their this or that..I swear..maybe because I only follow one team, only live one team, I get just as excited when a regime gets fired as I did the first time I became a fan..nothing changes, at some point we will hire the right people, and things will change, and we'll all be there together hopefully, that's the joy, so you gotta stick around thru thick and thin..ya hear..

    In all seriousness, when people talk about this franchise being cursed, well, all I can say, and I believe it with everything I know...that stadium has a lot to do with it..
     
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  37. jw3102

    jw3102 season ticket holder

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    Since I've been a fan from the beginning of the franchise, I have had different feelings throughout the decades

    1966-1969- I had to get used to rooting for a new expansion team in Miami and slowly stop supporting the Baltimore Colts, the team I was a fan of until the Dolphins came to South Florida.

    1970-1995- Don Shula came in 1970 and the next 25 years were wonderful as a Dolphins fan. Five Super Bowl appearances during the Shula era , with two SB victories. Except for a couple of years during the time Shula was here, the Dolphins were a competitive and exciting football team. The stands were packed and Dolphin fans couldn't wait for the game each week. Wins kept you on a natural high for days after the game and losses felt like a death in the family. These years were the most exciting time to be a Dolphin fan. I feel sorry for those fans on here who didn't get to enjoy the Dolphins during these years. They were at the top of the NFL hierarchy during this period and being a Dolphin fan felt great.

    1996-today- Various coaches, new owners, and the decline of a once proud franchise as mediocrity settled in around the organization. There were some playoffs reached in the years right after Shula's departure, but it never seemed the team had the players or coaches to get very far in the playoffs they did reach.

    The last ten years has basically been the worst time for me as a Dolphin fan. I have seen the interest in the team lessen as smaller and smaller crowds turn out to watch the team play. We have had our expectations raised every time a new coach, GM, or in the case of Parcells, a director of football operations, came in to take over and told us that things were headed in a new direction. After a short period of time, we soon realized the new direction wasn't any different than the previous direction.

    At first I was excited by the prospects of what each new regime change offered. Eventually the excitement changed to frustration when I didn't see the team improving. Next there was anger with the front office for not being able to hire a solid staff to turn this team around. I have gotten beyond anger now and I have reached the stage of apathy in regards to the Dolphins.

    While I am still a fan, I just don't expect much from this organization with the staff now running it. In fact I am at the point I just want to get the season over, ASAP, so the changes which are desperately needed can finally be implemented. I am a season ticket holder and I will be attending the remaining home games. I will root for the Dolphins to win, but in the back of my mind, I'll also be rooting that Ross finally brings in a GM who can rebuild this team into the type of team I remember during the Shula years.
     
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  38. Killer Bees

    Killer Bees Bringin' the Ruckus

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    What sucks for me is I've only been a fan for those past 10 years, since around 2000, so all I know is being let down year after year. The glory days for me was 2008 lol. They have really tested my fan hood, that's for sure, so I guess it's gonna' be that much sweeter when we really turn things around.
     
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  39. WhiteIbanez

    WhiteIbanez Megamediocremaniacal

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    I have two huge totes full of Dolphin Digest's and about 500 Dolphin games on DVD and VHS.
    I'll fall off the planet someday knowing I never gave up.
    Sure I'm pissed off. Hell the Dolphins last SB appearance was on my 18th birthday.
     
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  40. anlgp

    anlgp ↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → B A

    So for you, individually, what is it like to be a Dolphins fan?

    It's like being asked which time being kicked in the nuts felt better. It's like being told you're hired, and then doing great work and being promised a promotion only to be fired a day or two later for no apparent reason. It's seing the light at the end of the tunnel, and then being hit by a train. It's like the heat of the sun dying out. It's like plants wilting. It's trying to be optimistic, yet looking at the team and going "what the **** are you thinking?", especially with the current state of the franchise (I'm of the belief it's in shambles right now).

    It's like being told that the powerball is tonight, and you have #s 4 5 8 3 and 4 5 8 2 are called.
     

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