O.J. McDuffie was a 5'10" wide receiver out of Penn State. He set several single-season and career receiving records, including all-purpose yards, and was selected as a consensus All-American in 1992. Miami selected him in the first round of the 1993 NFL Entry Draft with the 19th overall pick.
The selection of McDuffie paid instant dividends for the Dolphins as he was inserted as Miami's primary punt and kick return man. He led the NFL that season with two punt returns for touchdowns, first with a 71 yard return in a week six victory over the Indianapolis Colts, 41-27, then later with a 72 yard return in a 21-20 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers in week 13. He also caught 19 passes for 197 yards. His 1,072 return yards was good for fourth most in the NFL, and he was selected as a first team All-Conference team member by Pro Football Weekly. Miami missed the playoffs with a 9-7 record.
McDuffie started three games at wide receiver in 1994, catching 37 passes for 488 yards and three touchdowns. He also continued to return kicks and punts for Miami, averaging an NFL fifth best 13.8 yards per touch. In week nine, he earned his first 100 yard receiving game, catching seven passes for 108 yards and a touchdown in a 22-21 victory over the Colts. Miami won a share of the division title with a 10-6 record, as both the Dolphins and the New England Patriots qualified for the playoffs. Miami lost in the second round to the San Diego Chargers, 22-21.
In 1995, McDuffie started all 16 games at wide receiver, finishing second on the team with 62 catches for 819 yards and eight touchdowns. He returned kicks and punts for a combined 727 yards as Miami finished the season with a 9-7 record. The Dolphins lost in the wildcard round to the Buffalo Bills despite an 11 catch, 154 yard, one touchdown performance from McDuffie.
1996 would see McDuffie's kickoff return duties curtailed, but he still served as Miami's primary punt returner, gaining 212 yards on 22 returns. He also started every game at wide receiver, leading the team with 74 catches, 918 yards, and eight scores. In a week seven loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, McDuffie scored a career high two touchdowns on a seven catch, 121 yard performance. Miami would finish with an 8-8 record.
McDuffie would be removed from the special teams entirely in 1997, allowing him to concentrate fully on his duties as wide receiver, where he again started every game. He again led the team with 943 yards on 76 catches. He logged three 100-yard games over the course of the season. Miami finished at 9-7, losing to the Patriots in the wildcard round.
In 1998, McDuffie caught a career high and NFL best 90 passes, enjoying his only career 1000-yard season, finishing with 1,050. In a week nine victory over the Colts, 27-14, McDuffie caught nine passes for 132 yards and two scores. Miami finished 10-6, beating the Bills in the wildcard round before dropping the divisional playoff to the John Elway led Denver Broncos, 38-3.
Miami finished at 9-7 in 1999, getting to the second round of the playoffs. In the first 10 games of the season, McDuffie had caught 35 passes for 425 yards, but suffered a toe injury in a week 11 victory over the Patriots, limiting his playing time and productivity afterwards.
McDuffie tried to continue to play in 2000, but was limited to 143 yards on 14 catches due to his prior injury. After continuing to rehab his toe, he was eventually released in February of 2002.
Subsequently, McDuffie successfully sued Dr. John Uribe for lost wages, alleging that the surgical procedure performed on his toe was career ending. He eventually won the case, and was awarded $11.5 million.
McDuffie retired as Miami's fourth all-time leading receiver, with 415 receptions for 5,074 yards and 29 touchdowns.