Relive the glory of what remains the NFL's only perfect season with the football classic Seventeen and Oh.
In this captivating, fast-paced chronicle of the 1972 Miami Dolphins, readers are transported into the heart of one of the most legendary seasons in professional football. From the first kickoff to the final whistle of Super Bowl VII, Seventeen and Oh captures the intensity, drama, and brilliance of a team that defied the odds and etched its name into sports immortality.
The Dolphins’ perfect season remains unmatched, and this book brings it to life with vivid storytelling and rich historical context.
As the Dolphins headed into only their seventh season, all eyes were on Miami. The city was hosting both national political conventions, and the backdrop to this season would be turbulent: the culture wars, the Nixon reelection campaign, the strange, unfolding saga of Watergate, and the war in Vietnam.
Generational and cultural divides abounded on the team as well. There were long-haired, bell-bottomed party animals such as Jim “Mad Dog” Mandich, as well as the stylish Marv Fleming and Curtis Johnson, with his supernova afro, playing alongside conservative, straitlaced men like the quarterback Bob Griese. Larry Csonka and Jim Kiick, nicknamed “Butch and Sundance,” had to make way for a third running back, the outspoken Mercury Morris. But unlike the fractious society around them, this racially and culturally diverse group found a way to meld seamlessly into a team. The perfect team.
The narrative dives deep into the leadership of Coach Don Shula, whose strategic genius and unwavering discipline laid the foundation for perfection. It also reveals the grit, camaraderie, and resilience that powered the players. Each chapter offers a game-by-game breakdown, highlighting the turning points, tactical decisions, and unforgettable plays that defined the season.
The book explores how the Dolphins’ achievement resonated with fans across the country, symbolizing excellence, unity, and the pursuit of greatness during a transformative era in American sports. It reflects on the media coverage, locker room dynamics, and the broader impact of the team’s success on the NFL and its legacy.
Whether you're a die-hard football fan, a student of sports history, or simply someone who appreciates stories of perseverance and triumph, this book offers a compelling and comprehensive look at the NFL’s only perfect season. It’s a celebration of teamwork, strategy, and the enduring spirit of competition.
Praise
“This is the perfect book for that perfect football season, filled with imperfect players—castoffs and has-beens—under a perfectionist coach against the background of a perfect historical storm of Jim Crow, Watergate, and the Vietnam War. A terrific read.”Robert Lipsyte
—
“Terrific.”Mike Vaccaro, New York Post
—
“This book is tremendous.”Chris “Mad Dog” Russo
—
“Terrific.”Mike Vaccaro, New York Post
—
“Maybe the best football book I’ve read. Certainly the most distinctive subject matter, the 1972 Miami Dolphins. … Fisher has a smooth narrative style, both in describing 17 football games and providing backgrounds of the men who helped win all 17 of them. The Dolphins’ story is also placed in context, both South Florida in the early Seventies, and the weight of Watergate and Vietnam growing across the country. I enjoyed every page.”Frank Murtaugh, longtime managing editor, Memphis magazine; sportswriter for the Memphis Flyer.
—
