MADRID — Dreary skies and rain didn’t stop aficionados from various countries from lining up around the block of a Miami Dolphins fan zone at Plaza de España to see Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Marino address a crowd.
Large helmets of the Dolphins and their opponent Sunday, the Washington Commanders, were displayed in front of the remarkable architecture of Madrid City Hall, facing the Spanish city’s iconic Plaza de Cibeles.
At Parque del Retiro, Madrid’s version of New York’s Central Park, an inflatable Dolphins mascot TD is stationed by a large lake, with the Monument of King Alfonso XII serving as the backdrop.
The aptly named Fuente de los Delfines — or Dolphins Fountain — is illuminated aqua at night, when many Dolphins fans from around the world converging on Madrid this weekend may be going out for a drink at Collins Irish Tavern for the team’s official pub party.
The Dolphins (3-7) and NFL’s Madrid takeover, bringing American football to a nation more aligned with fútbol, or soccer in the United States, finally culminates in Sunday’s 9:30 a.m. Eastern time kickoff against the Commanders (3-7) at the historic venue of Santiago Bernabéu Stadium for the league’s first game in Spain.
The inter-conference game between two teams with losing records and ample injured starters certainly carries more meaning for the NFL’s initiative to grow the sport in foreign nations than it does in the standings. The early result won’t impact any 4 p.m. playoff picture graphics as the 1 p.m. slate of games conclude Sunday.
The Dolphins are at the forefront of that league push, with president and CEO Tom Garfinkel emphasizing to ESPN in a story published this past week Miami wants to become the NFL team of the Spanish-speaking world.
At Bernabéu, the Dolphins’ technical home game takes place at the home of one of the world’s most winningest soccer clubs, Real Madrid, with a record 15 UEFA Champions League titles and 36 La Liga championships.
“I’d have to assume it’d be like playing baseball in Yankee Stadium,” Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver said. “It’s going to be an honor. We certainly won’t take it for granted and hopefully we can carry on the winning tradition that’s been going on there for years.”
Spain’s historic sporting venue opened in 1947, had renovations completed in 2024 and has a retractable roof, which will come in handy with the rainy weather Madrid has experienced all weekend.
The Dolphins and Commanders both enter well out of the playoff picture, but there may be some hope for the Dolphins if they can expand on impressive wins in two of their past three games, including last Sunday’s 30-13 domination of the division-rival Buffalo Bills.
If Miami handles business as a favorite against Washington without standout second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels, it gets to the bye week at 4-7, with a home game against the New Orleans Saints (2-8) to follow before hitting the road to face the New York Jets (2-8).
A very realistic path back to 6-7 before the final four games resides ahead of the team.
Without Daniels, the Commanders offense will be led by veteran backup Marcus Mariota, creating a matchup of two Polynesian quarterbacks from Hawaii in Madrid. Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa goes against a depleted Washington defense, with cornerbacks Marshon Lattimore and Trey Amos on injured reserve and Pro Bowl defensive tackle Daron Payne suspended.
The Dolphins’ Dante Trader Jr. attends a community flag football clinic in Madrid, Spain on Friday ahead of Sunday’s game vs. the Commanders. (AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Tagovailoa’s connection with wide receiver Jaylen Waddle has been elevated since star Miami speedster Tyreek Hill went down with his gruesome knee injury.
“When you’re the No. 1 receiver and the team is depending on you to be that, generally your targets come in critical situations,” coach Mike McDaniel said. “In those situations, the team rises or falls based upon your execution of what people are depending on you to execute. Jaylen Waddle has always had the talent to do almost anything on the football field.”
Running back De’Von Achane might excite the NFL’s international fan base as he is fourth in rushing yards (780) and third in rushing average (5.4 yards per carry) after he posted 225 yards from scrimmage, including 174 rushing, and two touchdowns against Buffalo.
“I did have a great game, but I ain’t the only one out there,” Achane said. “As an offense, I feel like we played great but we just have to keep that same motivation going and make sure it carries on.”
Dolphins left tackle Patrick Paul had to travel to Europe to see his brother, Commanders left guard Chris Paul, for the first time this season.
“It’s been great seeing him out here in Spain,” said Paul who added that they explored Madrid when each arrived Tuesday. “It’s definitely crazy, me haven’t seeing him in months and the first time we link up is in Spain. Definitely it’s been a blessing just everything with that. It’s been great.”
All week, Dolphins players, coaches and executives have interacted with Spanish soccer stars, especially of Atlético Madrid, after practicing at their home stadium, Estadio Metropolitano.
Now, it’s time for the Dolphins to play their game abroad.
Dolphins Deep Dive: Prediction time — will Miami defeat Commanders in Madrid? | VIDEO