FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - On January 12, 1986, the New England Patriots made history when they won the AFC Championship by defeating the Dolphins in Miami, 31-14. Not only was it the franchise's first conference title, it was also the team's first win in Miami in over 20 years and the first time that an NFL team had ever won three consecutive playoff games on the road. At the time, it was considered the team's greatest victory and remains one of the most memorable moments in the history of the franchise.
On January 1, 2006, the New England Patriots will honor the players and coaches who participated in that historic game when they host the Miami Dolphins in the 2005 regular season finale. The pregame ceremony will give Patriots fans another opportunity to thank the team as we approach the 20th anniversary of that game.
"I will never forget that game," said Patriots Chairman and CEO Robert Kraft. "Twenty years later, I think most Patriots fans from that era still have their 'Squish the Fish' t-shirts. It's one of those mementos that you know that you'll never wear again, but you just can't bring yourself to throw it away. The victory over the Dolphins was one of those great moments in sports that brings a community closer together. Those guys will always have a special place in the hearts of Patriots fans and I look forward to the reception that our fans will give them."
