The Five Oldest Dolphins to Rush for 1,000 Yards

(Photo: Miami Dolphins)

One of the bigger signings of the offseason for the Miami Dolphins will bring a key veteran to the backfield.

Frank Gore, 34, is a South Florida native who played his college ball at Miami. As a member of the Indianapolis Colts in 2016, Gore became the oldest back since John Riggins in 1984 to eclipse 1,000 yards on the ground. For the Colts last season, Gore rushed for 961 yards, narrowly missing hitting the 1,000-yard mark for the 10th time in his 13-year career.

If Gore were able to build upon a strong season in 2017 and get to 1,000, the 5-time Pro Bowl running back would be the oldest member of the Miami Dolphins ever to rush for 1,000 yards. As it stands, here are the five oldest to do so:

1. Ricky Williams (2009)
Age: 32
Yards: 1,121
In 2009, Ricky Williams set an NFL record for longest stretch between 1,000-yard seasons when he was forced to carry the load for an injured Ronnie Brown. Williams was able to break that mark in a Week 15 overtime loss to the Tennessee Titans. LeGarrette Blount tied his record in 2016.

2. Lamar Smith (2000)
Age: 30
Yards: 1,139
Lamar Smith rushed for 1,000 just once during his 10-year NFL career and that came in his first year as a member of the Miami Dolphins. Expectations were low for Miami in 2000, following the retirement of Dan Marino. The defense stole the headlines, but Smith became the focal point of the offense, leading the Dolphins to an 11-5 record and an AFC East title. Smith's best performance doesn't count toward the stat sheet, but came in a 23-17 overtime win over the Indianapolis Colts in the Wild Card game. Smith rushed for 209 yards on 40 carries and a pair of scores, including the 17-yard game-winner in overtime.

3. Delvin Williams (1978)
Age: 27
Yards: 1,258
Delvin Williams was 27 years old when he rushed for a then team-record 1,258 yards in 1978. In what was his fifth season in the league and his first of three in Miami, Williams rushed for what would be a career-high to help the Dolphins win 11 games and make the playoffs. Williams would rush for 1,000 yards just one other time in his 8-year career. His team record would stand for 24 years.

4. Larry Csonka (1973)
Age: 27
Yards: 1,003
One year after he and Mercury Morris became the first tandem of teammates to rush for 1,000 yards in the same season, fullback Larry Csonka became the first Miami Dolphin to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark in three consecutive seasons. Csonka barely reached that mark, but the season for Csonka was one to remember, especially considering how it ended. In a 24-7 Super Bowl VIII victory over the Minnesota Vikings, Csonka rushed for a then Super Bowl record 145 yards and two touchdowns en route to being named the game's MVP.

5. Reggie Bush (2011)
Age: 26
Yards: 1,086
There weren't many highlights for the Miami Dolphins during a 6-10 season in 2011, but the team did win six of its last 10 after an 0-6 start and Reggie Bush proved to be a big positive in the process. In his first season in Miami, Bush notched his first 1,000-yard season. Bush closed the season with four straight 100-yard rushing games to eclipse the mark, including 203 yards in a Week 16 win at Buffalo.

Mike Ferguson is the founder of Days of Dolphins Past. Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWFerguson.