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The NFL world is mourning the loss of a remarkable defensive lineman, remembered for his pivotal role in the Miami Dolphins’ historic undefeated 1972 Super Bowl season.
Dolphins Ring of Honor member and two-time Super Bowl champion Manny Fernandez has died at age 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 was not immediately released.
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Washington Redskins running back Larry Brown is stopped by Miami Dolphins defensive end Manny Fernandez during the NFL Super Bowl VII game in Los Angeles, California on January 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 considered one of the pioneers of the nose tackle position in the NFL.
The unit helped the Dolphins to three consecutive Super Bowl appearances from 1971 to 1973, including back-to-back titles in 1972 and 1973.
Manny Fernandez of the Miami Dolphins takes the field against the New England Patriots during an NFL game at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida, circa 1971. Fernandez played for the Dolphins from 1968 to 1975. (Focus on sport/Getty Images)
“His consistent and selfless contributions on the field were instrumental in the Dolphins’ success throughout the early 1970s, particularly during the team’s three consecutive Super Bowl appearances, during which he produced some of the most memorable defensive performances in the history of the game,” the Dolphins release continued.
Fernandez dominated in the Dolphins’ Super Bowl victory over Washington following their undefeated 1972 season. This team also included stars such as Bob Griese, Nick Buoniconti and Larry Csonka.
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Fernandez’s dominance in Super Bowl VII was so overwhelming that even the game’s MVP thought the game’s biggest individual honor could have gone elsewhere.
“They weren’t double-teaming Manny like most of the other teams we faced in the division during the season did,” he said. “Manny was in their backfield all day, doing whatever he wanted. Maybe I should have shared the MVP award with Manny.”
Former Miami Dolphins player Manny Fernandez smiles after receiving a football during the 50th anniversary ceremony for the Dolphins all-time team during an NFL game against the New York Giants in Miami Gardens, Florida, December 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.
