Chris Perkins: Losing Super Bowls isn’t the No. 1 problem for Dolphins owner Steve Ross

(Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun Sentinel/TNS)

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Dolphins owner Steve Ross has an image problem, and it can’t be solved by words or actions. Ross’ problem can only be solved by winning.

There’s a perception by a large number of Dolphins fans that Ross prioritizes the Miami Grand Prix (Formula 1 race) and the Miami Open (tennis), two thriving international sporting events, over the Miami Dolphins.

Make no mistake, Ross, the franchise’s principal owner since 2009, wants to win badly with the Dolphins. He’s demonstrated that with both actions and words.

But the negative perception of Ross is reinforced when there’s news such as the Dolphins recently saying they’re currently out of the Super Bowl rotation because the NFL told them that they no longer have space to host Super Bowl hospitality events because of F1 and tennis structures on the Hard Rock Stadium campus.

On the surface, being out of the running for Super Bowls is crushing news.

In truth, I’m not worried about the Super Bowls one bit.

They’ll return.

The NFL wants Super Bowls here, and South Florida wants them here. They’ll find a way. Guaranteed. Dolphins executive Daniel Sillman expressed a similar opinion.

In the meantime, however, Ross’ image takes another big hit with this Super Bowl news.

Here’s the reality, if Ross doesn’t win with the Dolphins, and soon, he’ll never be able to convince fans that the Dolphins are a priority in his growing sports empire. As a result, the Dolphins will continue losing the younger generation, the fans in their 20s and 30s who have never seen this franchise win a playoff game.

You can see how that could be problematic, especially at a time when the Dolphins have gained a measure of momentum.

It’d be nice if Dolphins management (Ross, Sillman, president Tom Garfinkel, advisor Troy Aikman) spoke directly to the fans and offered reassurance that the NFL/Dolphins are a top priority to Ross.

And by the “fans,” I guess I mean speaking to the media and fielding questions from the media. It’d be ideal if management fielded unscreened questions from fans via Zoom, but back to reality ...

I’m not sure what Dolphins management could say to soothe/reassure fans.