While the NFL’s Miami Dolphins are the most well-known Miami football team, they aren’t the only high profile football team in the city of Miami. In fact, many locals will argue that the Miami Hurricanes are the most beloved football team in town.
The Miami Hurricanes are the college football team of the University of Miami. Founded in 1926, they have a long, storied and successful history. Among their accomplishments are five national titles and two Heisman Trophy winners. When it comes to creating NFL players, the Hurricanes have proven to be a fantastic launching ground.
The first national title came in 1983 when head coach Howard Schnellenberger led the Hurricanes to an 11-1 record and a win in the Orange Bowl. The star player of the team was quarterback Bernie Kosar. Four years later, the Hurricanes won another national title. The stars of the 1987 squad were quarterback Steve Walsh and wide receiver Michael Irvin, while Jimmy Johnson was the head coach.
Dennis Erickson, who coached Miami Hurricanes Football from 1989 to 1994, won two national titles: in 1989 and 1991. The 1989 team was quarterbacked by Craig Erickson, while Gino Torretta was the quarterback for the 1991 squad.
The most recent national title was in 2001 when head coach Larry Coker lead a star studded team to the top. Notable players on the 2001 team include wide receiver Andre Johnson, running back Clinton Portis and strong safety Ed Reed.
Vinny Testaverde won the Heisman Trophy in 1986. In 1992, Gino Torretta became the second player to win the award. In 2004, they set an NFL record by having six players drafted in the first round. Another draft record the Miami Hurricanes hold is having at least one player drafted in the first round of the NFL draft for 14 consecutive years — from 1995 to 2008.
The Hurricanes, who have team colors of orange and green, play their home games in Sun Life Stadium — the stadium that is also home to the Miami Dolphins and the Florida Marlins. Sun Life Stadium seats 76,500 and is located in the city of Coral Gables.
When it comes to rivals, the two teams the Miami Hurricanes always gear up to play are Florida State and Florida. These rivalries date back to 1951 (Florida State) and 1938 (Florida). Usually, the best of these three Florida teams ends up being one of the top teams in the nation — so the rivalries are understandably tense.
If you attend a Miami Hurricanes Football game, listen for Touchdown Tommy. A cannon, Touchdown Tommy, is fired when the team takes the field, following a score and after a victory. If you hear a lot of Touchdown Tommy, chances are the team had a good game!
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