Dolphins Birthday: Former All-Pro Receiver Mark Clayton Turns 65

Former Miami Dolphins All-Pro wide receiver Mark Clayton celebrates his 65th birthday today! He was born April 8, 1961.

Selected in the eighth round of the 1983 NFL Draft out of Louisville by Miami, Clayton spent the first 10 years of his 11-year career with the Dolphins. A 5-time Pro Bowler, Clayton eclipsed the 1,000-yard receiving mark five times. He twice led the NFL in touchdown receptions, including a then-NFL record 18 in 1984.   At one point, Clayton and quarterback Dan Marino held the NFL record for most touchdown connections. The 79 touchdown tosses from Marino to Clayton still ranks fifth in NFL history.   A member of the Dolphins Ring of Honor, Clayton remains Miami’s all-time leader in receptions (550) and touchdown catches (81). With 18 touchdown grabs in 1984 and 14 in 1988, he holds the two highest totals for a single season in team history. Clayton’s 8,643 yards receiving as a member of the Dolphins ranks second all-time behind only former teammate Mark Duper. After 10 stellar years with the Dolphins, Clayton spent his final season with the Green Bay Packers in 1993.