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Miami Dolphins Hold 50th Anniversary Gala Friday

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – The Miami Dolphins have been celebrating the team's 50th anniversary season in many different ways.

The Dolphins came into the existence in 1966 and by the time the team was 8 years old it had already won two Super Bowls.

As the current football season has progressed, Miami named its 50th anniversary team by revealing five new players a week over the course of ten weeks.

"Fifty great players and just so many great memories," said Fins' former All-Star quarterback Dan Marino. "It's just gonna be fun tonight, have a good time."

Those 50 players, along with the team itself, were honored in a gala Friday night at the Diplomat Hotel in Hollywood, Florida.

The evening started with a red carpet arrival for all of the honored guests, which include past players and coaches as well as people who have been important to the Dolphins over the years.

"These reunions are always fun," said two-time Super Bowl winner Manny Fernandez. "Three years ago we had the 17-0 40th reunion."

"After football, we stayed together. We talked to each other and stay in touch. It's like a family," said Dolphin great, Mark Duper.

Among those speaking to the guests were Marino, Larry Csonka, Stephen Ross, Don Shula and even office management like CEO Tom Garfinkel.

"Seeing Coach Shula and really just getting everybody here at once, these guys really love each other, it's special to be around them," said Garfinkel.

CBS4's Lisa Petrillo caught up with the winningest coach in NFL history.

"When I think back about all the things that happened and the accomplishments, the great association, the fan support that we had, it just all fits together," Shula said.

Longtime broadcaster Dick Enberg, who calls Miami's preseason games on CBS4, emceed the event.

Lifelong Dolphins fan Darius Rucker, the lead singer of the band Hootie and the Blowfish, gave a special musical performance as well.

CBS4 will have exclusive access during the event and will air a 50th Anniversary Gala TV Special on Monday night at 7 p.m. leading up the Dolphins-Giants Monday Night Football Game at 8:30 p.m.

Everything can be seen on CBS4.

Be sure to check out our FinsOn4 Live Dolphins Blog where we will be posting season-long coverage, updates, photos, video, commentary and more throughout the entire 2015 season.

Watch Miami take on the New York Giants this Monday at 8:30 p.m. on CBS4, your official Dolphins station!

Follow David on Twitter (@DavidDwork)

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