Tommy Vigorito, an undersized return specialist who became a Miami Dolphins fan favorite in the 1980s, has died.
Vigorito was 65.
His death was announced by his New Jersey high school, DePaul Catholic.
Vigorito was dratted by the Dolphins in the fifth round in 1981 out of Virginia.
Although only 5-feet-10 and 193 pounds, Vigorito played four seasons, appearing in 35 games for Miami.
He made 59 receptions for 439 yards and two touchdowns and also rushed for 215 yards and two more scores. But he made his mark by returning 79 punts for 830 yards (10.5 average) and two TDs, including an 87-yarder.
His two punt-return TDs are tied for second in Dolphins history, behind only Jakeem Grant’s three. His 87-yarder also is 1 yard shy of Grant’s team record and he’s third on the team’s all-time list for career punt-return average behind Jeff Ogden (13.7) and Freddie Solomon (11.4).
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Ex-Miami Dolphins punt returner Tommy Vigorito dies at 65
Reporting by Hal Habib, Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
