MIAMI – Former Dolphins linebacker John Offerdahl will become the 26th member of the Dolphin Honor Roll. The linebacker will join the prestigious group after a vote by the Honor Roll committee. The announcement was made prior to today’s Miami Dolphins and Greater Miami Chamber Of Commerce Kickoff Luncheon Presented by MBAF. Offerdahl will be inducted to the Honor Roll on Thursday Night, October 31 during halftime of the Dolphins game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
“No one epitomizes what it means to be a Dolphin more than John Offerdahl,” stated Dolphins Chairman of the Board/Managing General Partner Stephen Ross. “He wasn’t the biggest or the fastest player on the field, but he was the best. He was tenacious, tough, intelligent, and a leader. Those same traits made him a success in the business and community service arenas as well, and he continues to be a very visible and admired representative of the team in the South Florida community. I want to welcome him as the newest member of the Dolphins’ Honor Roll.”
“When John Offerdahl tackled you, you went down. Whether it was stopping the run, putting pressure on the quarterback, or dropping into coverage, John could do it all,” explained Hall of Fame Head Coach Don Shula. “He was a relentless player, a professional who practiced as hard as he played. And he was one of the smartest players out there — he was like a quarterback on our defense. There are two great linebackers enshrined on the Dolphin Honor Roll, Nick Buoniconti and Zach Thomas, and I’m glad to see John join them.”
The first player chosen by the Dolphins in the 1986 NFL Draft, Offerdahl was selected in the second-round, 52nd overall, out of Western Michigan University. He played in 89 games during his eight year NFL career 86 of which were in a starting role. Offerdahl made an immediate impact in his first season in Miami as he was honored as the NFL Rookie of the Year in 1986 while becoming the first Dolphins linebacker in franchise history to be named a starter in the Pro Bowl. Among the other honors Offerdahl achieved following his rookie campaign included the Old Spice NFL Rookie of the Year, Pro Football Weekly All- AFC, Rookie of the Year and All-Rookie Team; Football News first Team All-AFC; AP Second Team All-NFL; UPI first team All-AFC and All-Rookie, PFWA All-Rookie and Football Digest All-Rookie.