Manny Fernandez, one of the greatest defensive players in Miami Dolphins history and a two-time Super Bowl winner, has died. Fernandez was 79.
Fernandez helped lead the “No-Name Defense” to Super Bowl wins in 1972 and 1973.
Fernandez, who primarily played nose tackle/defensive tackle, had 35 sacks in eight seasons, all with Miami. He added 4.5 sacks in 10 playoff games.
“His consistent and selfless contributions on the field were instrumental to the Dolphins’ success throughout the early 1970s, particularly in the team’s three consecutive Super Bowl appearances, in which he produced some of the most memorable defensive performances in the history of the game,” the Dolphins said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with his family, loved ones and teammates as we remember one of the best players in Dolphins history.”
Fernandez was born in Oakland and played at Utah.
Fernandez had 17 tackles and a sack in the Dolphins’ 14-7 Super Bowl defeat of Washington.
Manny Fernandez, star of Dolphins’ undefeated season, dies
This capped Miami’s perfect season of 17-0.
Fernandez was a second-team All Pro twice and was voted to the Dolphins All-Time team. Fernandez is a member of the Dolphins’ Honor Roll.
Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe’s free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Manny Fernandez, Miami Dolphins great, dies at 79
Reporting by Joe Schad, Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
