The Miami Dolphins found themselves unexpectedly caught in the crossfire of sports humor and social media trolling following the conclusion of the Stanley Cup Final, which saw the Florida Panthers — South Florida’s NHL team — fall short in heartbreaking fashion. As the Panthers’ title hopes were dashed, sports fans on platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, and Instagram quickly turned their attention not only to the hockey team but also to their NFL neighbors: the Miami Dolphins.
The trolling wasn’t directly related to the Dolphins’ own performance — they haven’t played a game since their playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in January — but rather stemmed from a broader, more enduring sports narrative surrounding Miami’s title drought and the perception of underachievement across the city’s professional teams. With the Panthers losing their second Stanley Cup Final in franchise history (and second in two years), fans from rival cities took the opportunity to poke fun at South Florida sports, and the Dolphins became a prime target given their long-standing struggles in the postseason.
Much of the online ridicule centered around the Dolphins’ inability to win a Super Bowl since their last appearance in 1985, with some fans sarcastically labeling them the “cursed franchise” of Miami sports. Memes quickly surfaced showing Dolphins and Panthers logos next to the phrase “So close, yet so far,” with others joking that the Dolphins were “next in line to break fans’ hearts” following the Panthers’ disappointment. Some fans even referenced the Miami Heat’s recent Finals losses, creating a narrative that all of Miami’s major teams consistently reach the brink of glory before falling short.
Adding fuel to the fire were jokes comparing Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to Panthers goalie Sergei Bobrovsky — both standout players who performed admirably in their respective seasons but couldn’t carry their teams to a title. “Tua is about to go full Bobrovsky next January,” one user joked. Another post read: “Panthers lose Cup Final. Dolphins now on the clock.”
This round of trolling, while often exaggerated for humor, also reflects real frustration among sections of the Miami sports fan base. The Dolphins haven’t won a playoff game since 2000, and despite having one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses, they have struggled to translate regular-season success into postseason wins. Their last two playoff appearances ended in early exits, and with the team boasting stars like Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle, and a rising defense, expectations are high for 2025.
Ironically, the Dolphins and Panthers are organizationally and geographically close, often supporting one another publicly on social media. The Dolphins had previously congratulated the Panthers on making the Stanley Cup Final, and players from both teams have been spotted supporting each other’s games. However, that sense of unity didn’t stop the wave of internet mockery, as sports fans outside Miami grouped both teams together in their criticism.
Some Dolphins fans pushed back against the trolling, highlighting the team’s recent progress under head coach Mike McDaniel and insisting that a breakthrough is near. Others leaned into the humor, acknowledging the shared pain of being a South Florida sports fan and expressing hope that one team — any team — would finally break through and win it all.
As the offseason continues, the Dolphins will be under pressure to not only contend but finally deliver in the playoffs. With the Heat, Panthers, and even Inter Miami falling short of championships in recent years, the Dolphins are now viewed by many fans as the city’s next best hope — and, perhaps, next in line for disappointment if they can’t meet the growing expectations.
In the world of sports, where rivalries, heartbreak, and humor intersect, the Dolphins being trolled after the Panthers’ Stanley Cup loss may seem unfair — but it’s emblematic of how sports fandom works. Every close call becomes fodder for jokes, and until Miami lifts another major trophy, every team in the region will be part of the narrative. For the Dolphins, the message is clear: win, or prepare to keep hearing about it — even when it’s someone else’s loss.
