![AFC Championship - "Mud Bowl"](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_editorial_squared_6_desktop/f_png/nfl100/phhz5emyey2u5eoxt6fp.png)
![AFC Championship - "Mud Bowl"](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_portrait_mobile/f_png/v1565910729/nfl100/iupe0o3mstlg2rtpcqku.png)
AFC Championship - "Mud Bowl"
![George R.R. Martin](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_thumb_squared/f_png/nfl100/rjjyxrk4cr3lomyeyrcq.png)
The AFC Championship Game in January 1983 between the Dolphins and the Jets became known as the Mud Bowl because heavy rain in South Florida – combined with some questionable groundskeeping at the Orange Bowl – had transformed the field into a muddy swamp. Since the Jets were the faster team, this played to Miami’s advantage – and the Jets’ offense went dormant. A major reason was Dolphins linebacker A.J. Duhe, who prior to the game intercepted just two passes in 6 NFL seasons but in this game picked off three. The most important one occurred in the fourth quarter, with the Jets down 7-0. With his jersey, like all other players,’ dirtied by mud, Duhe leapt up and batted a pass attempted by Jets QB Richard Todd. Duhe then bobbled and caught the ball himself, returning it 35 yards for a touchdown. The Dolphins won, 14-0, but lost in the Super Bowl; for Jets fans, the game was among the most frustrating in franchise history.
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![George R.R. Martin](https://static.clubs.nfl.com/image/private/t_editorial_squared_6_desktop/f_png/nfl100/rjjyxrk4cr3lomyeyrcq.png)