NFL news: Manny Fernandez, founder of 1972 undefeated Dolphins team, dies at 79
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The NFL world is mourning the loss of a defensive lineman remembered for his pivotal role in the Miami Dolphins’ historic undefeated 1972 Super Bowl season.
Manny Fernandez, a member of the Dolphins Ring of Honor and two-time Super Bowl champion, has died at the age of 79, the team announced Tuesday. “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Manny Fernandez,” read a statement from the Dolphins.
The cause of death has not been disclosed.
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Washington Redskins running back Larry Brown is stopped by Miami Dolphins linebacker Manny Fernandez during the NFL Super Bowl VII game in Los Angeles, California, on Jan. 14, 1973. (AP Photo)
Fernandez spent his entire eight-year professional football career with the Dolphins, helping Miami build its famous “No-Name Defense.” He is widely regarded as one of the pioneers at the nose tackle position in the NFL.
The unit helped lead the Dolphins to three consecutive Super Bowl appearances from 1971-73, including back-to-back titles in 1972 and 1973.
Manny Fernandez of the Miami Dolphins runs down the field against the New England Patriots during an NFL game at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida, in 1971. Fernandez played for the Dolphins from 1968 to 1975. (Focus Sports/Getty Images)
“His consistent contributions and dedication on the field contributed to the Dolphins’ success in the early 1970s, most notably in the team’s three consecutive Super Bowl appearances, where he produced some of the most memorable defensive plays in the game’s history,” the Dolphins’ statement continued.
Fernandez was dominant during the Dolphins’ Super Bowl win over Washington following their 1972 undefeated season. That team included stars like Bob Griese, Nick Buoniconti and Larry Csonka.
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Fernandez’s dominance in Super Bowl VII was so impressive that even the game’s MVP believes the game’s top honor could have gone elsewhere.
“They didn’t play Manny twice, which most of the teams we played with in this division did during the season,” he said. “Manny was in their back yard all day doing whatever he wanted to do. Maybe I should have shared the MVP with Manny.”
Former Miami Dolphins player Manny Fernandez smiles after receiving the ball during the Dolphins All-Time Team 50th Anniversary Celebration in the NFL game against the New York Giants in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Dec. 14, 2015. (Lynne Sladky/AP)
An undrafted free agent out of Utah in 1968, Fernandez was inducted into the Dolphins’ Ring of Honor in 2014.
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“Our thoughts are with his family, loved ones and teammates as we remember one of the best players in Dolphins history,” the team’s statement concluded.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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