Miami Dolphins induct four alumni into Walk of Fame

Written by Luis Sung | Twitter: @FLSportDebater
Before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs, the Miami Dolphins inducted four more Dolphins legends into the Walk of Fame. Former running back Tony Nathan, guard Ed Newman, defensive end Jeff Cross, and cornerback Sam Madison.

To celebrate the occasion, several other Dolphins alumni were in attendance to welcome their fellow Walk of Fame members such as linebacker John Offerdahl, guard Larry Little, wide receiver Nat Moore and legendary quarterbacks Bob Griese and of course Dan Marino. Along with the alumni, Dolphins CEO Tom Garfinkel, General Manager Dennis Hickey, and owner Stephen Ross were also in attendance.

Jimmy Cefalo, another Dolphins alumni, announced the event as fans watched and cheered as the players one by one unveiled their personal plaques, effectively cementing their places in Dolphins lore.

Ed Newman, the first of the four to be inducted, represents the Dolphins foundation era of 1966 to 1975, and he was a starting left and right guard from 1973 to 1984, which means he had the opportunity to protect both Griese and Marino over the course of his career. He played in three Super Bowls and was elected to four straight Pro Bowls from 1981-1984. 

Tony Nathan, the second of the four inductees, represents the Dolphins 1976-85 era, and over the course of his career he appeared in two Super Bowls. He rushed for 3,543 yards on 732 attempts and caught 383 passes for 3,592 more yards. He's the only player in Dolphins history to rank in the top ten in both career rushing and receptions, and is best known for his role in the 1987 "Circle Curl Lateral" play at the end of the first half of the AFC Playoff game against the San Diego Chargers on Jan. 2 1982. After retirement, Nathan served as an assistant coach for Don Shula from 1989 to 1995.

Jeff Cross, the third of the four inductees, represents the Dolphins 1986-1995 era. He played his entire career with the Dolphins, from 1988 to 1996 and was selected to go to the Pro Bowl in 1990. His 59.5 sacks still ranks fifth-highest on the team's total sacks list, behind only Vern Den Herder, Doug Betters, Bill Stanfill, and of course Jason Taylor.

The final inductee of the day was former shutdown corner Sam Madison, who represents the team's 1996-2005 era. Madison was drafted by the Dolphins in 1997 and played with them until 2005, afterwards he would win a Super Bowl against the New England Patriots while a member of the New York Giants. Madison's time with the Dolphins saw him getting 353 tackles, one sack, 31 interceptions and 2 touchdowns, and he was a member of one of the best cornerback tandems in NFL history as he was teamed up with fellow corner Patrick Surtain for the majority of his Dolphins career. Madison was voted to four straight Pro Bowls from 1999-2002 and was voted an All-Pro for three straight from 1999-2001. Today, Madison is still active within the organization as he works with TheFinsiders broadcast.

Looking back on the past glory of the Dolphins often makes fans yearn for successful future seasons. And who knows? One day the likes of Cameron Wake might be on this Walk of Fame, as a star who made the team better just by being there, just like all of these individuals did over the course of their careers.

---