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President Obama invites perfect ‘72 Miami Dolphins for White House ceremony

08-15-2013 • http://www.nydailynews.com, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

The Miami Dolphins team that achieved the only perfect season in NFL history will be honored by the White House next Tuesday, more than 40 years after its accomplishment.

President Obama will welcome the 1972 Dolphins for the first White House ceremony honoring the only team to go 17-0. Pro Football Hall of Fame coach Don Shula plans to accompany players from the team to the event.

“It’s a long time coming, but we’re finally getting there,” said linebacker Nick Buoniconti, another Hall of Famer.

The ‘72 Dolphins didn’t make it to the White House in the months after their Super Bowl victory, when President Nixon — a big sports fan — was immersed in the Watergate scandal.

“Nixon was too busy calling plays” ‘72 Dolphins running back Mercury Morris said with a laugh. Nixon once suggested a Super Bowl play to Shula.

Dolphins representatives recently raised the idea of honoring the ‘72 team with the White House.

“I’m honored that the accomplishments of the 1972 Dolphins are going to be recognized by the president with a ceremony at the White House,” Shula said in a statement. “It is a very special occasion, and I know it’s something that all of us will enjoy and remember.”

Current Dolphins owner Stephen Ross is paying expenses for the team’s trip. Ross said the entire organization was excited about the invitation.