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Fifteen years ago, Dan Marino and Jimmy Johnson won their last NFL games

Miami Dolphins Vs. New England Patriots

Miami Dolphins Vs. New England Patriots

Boston Globe via Getty Images

The last high point of Jimmy Johnson and Dan Marino’s time with the Miami Dolphins came 15 years ago Friday.

On January 9, 2000, the underdog Dolphins overcame a seven-point halftime deficit to defeat the Seahawks 20-17 in an AFC wild card game in Seattle.

In victory, Marino completed 17-of-30 passes for 196 yards, including a one-yard TD to Oronde Gadsden. Tailback J.J. Johnson racked up 86 yards on 27 carries and scored the game-winning touchdown with 4:48 left in regulation. The Miami defense, which held Seattle to 171 yards, would close the deal, stopping the Seahawks’ last two drives.

Ultimately, the victory was the last in NFL play for Johnson and Marino. The Jaguars would rout the Dolphins 62-7 six days later, and the next day, Johnson would step down. Less than two months later, Marino would retire.

The game was also an endpoint for Seattle’s Kingdome, which would be demolished in April 2000. It was the last postseason appearance for the Seahawks as a member of the AFC.

In four seasons with the Dolphins, Johnson led Miami to a 38-31 record, including a pair of postseason wins. However, the Dolphins never advanced beyond the divisional round. And in the end, if he is voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on January 31, his work with the Cowboys will have been the crux of his case.

Nevertheless, the Dolphins have won one playoff game since Johnson left — and that came one season after he departed. He led Miami to as many playoff appearances in four seasons (three) as the franchise has earned in 15 seasons since.