s04.e20 | Dwight Stephenson: I Gotta Win Every Play

Despite an injury-shortened career that lasted just eight seasons, Dwight Stephenson is universally regarded as one of, if not the greatest center to ever play the game. The Miami Dolphins second-round draft choice in 1980 followed back-to-back national championships at the University of Alabama with five Pro Bowl appearances, 4 First-Team All Pro nods, the 1985 NFL Man of the Year Award, a forever home in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and a spot on the NFL’s 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.

In the tank, Dwight discusses how the Hampton, Virginia native ended up at Alabama under legendary head coach Paul “Bear” Bryant (5:55), recalls how intimidating Dolphins coaching icon Don Shula could be (9:37), reflects upon his one-armed performance against William “The Refrigerator” Perry in the team’s epic 1985 victory over the Chicago Bears (16:23), explains why he often had to quiet down an excitable Miami huddle when Mark Duper and Mark Clayton were around (20:45), laments breaking Kim Bokamper’s ankle (25:33) and Dan Marino’s finger (29:04), and openly details the circumstances surrounding the injury that ended his storied career (40:11).

​Contributors to this episode include Sean Todd aka DJ Prēc and Miami Dolphins Productions.
Theme song created and performed by The Honorable SoLo D.