Joe Robbie was an American football executive and lawyer who is best known for founding the Miami Dolphins franchise in the National Football League (NFL). Robbie was born in South Dakota in 1916 and grew up in Minnesota. He attended the University of Minnesota, where he played football and earned a law degree.
After serving in the Navy during World War II, Robbie moved to Miami and began practicing law. He became involved in local politics and was appointed to the Miami City Commission in 1953. In the 1960s, Robbie became interested in bringing professional football to Miami. He was instrumental in securing a franchise for the city in the American Football League (AFL), which later merged with the NFL.
Robbie was the principal owner of the Dolphins from their inception in 1966 until his death in 1990. During his tenure, the team won two Super Bowl championships and became one of the most successful franchises in the NFL. Robbie was known for his shrewd business sense and his commitment to building a winning team.
In addition to his work with the Dolphins, Robbie was also involved in other aspects of the NFL. He served on several league committees and was a key figure in negotiating the league's television contracts. He was also a vocal advocate for the rights of team owners and was involved in several high-profile disputes with the league office.
Robbie was widely respected in the football world for his contributions to the sport. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990, shortly after his death. His legacy lives on through the Miami Dolphins, who continue to be one of the most successful and popular teams in the NFL.
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