 Chargers' quarterback Dan Fouts (middle) running a play during the game. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Date | January 2, 1982 | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| Stadium | Miami Orange Bowl, Miami, Florida | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Referee | Fred Wyant | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Hall of Famers | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Chargers: Don Coryell (coach), Dan Fouts, Charlie Joiner, Kellen Winslow Dolphins: Don Shula (coach), Dwight Stephenson | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| TV in the United States | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Network | NBC | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Announcers | Don Criqui and John Brodie | |||||||||||||||||||||
The Epic in Miami was the National Football League AFC divisional playoff game between the San Diego Chargers and Miami Dolphins that took place on January 2, 1982 in the Miami Orange Bowl. The game, won by the Chargers in overtime, 41–38, is one of the most famous in National Football League lore because of the enormity of scoring (79 combined points), the conditions on the field, the performances of players on both teams, and the numerous records that were set.[1]
Many former players, coaches and writers assert it as one of the greatest games in NFL history. It was also referred to in the Miami Herald as the "Miracle That Died", while Sports Illustrated dubbed it the "Game No One Should Have Lost". The game aired on NBC with Don Criqui and John Brodie calling the action and Bryant Gumbel serving as the anchor, one of his final assignments for NBC Sports as he began co-hosting Today two days after the game. NFL 100 Greatest Games rated this game as the 4th greatest game.
- ^ 1981 Miami Playoff Game Archived 2009-03-30 at the Wayback Machine