Manny Fernandez, cornerstone of Dolphins’ perfect 1972 season, dead at 79

The NFL satellite is mourning the nonaccomplishment of a standout antiaircraft lineman remembered for his pivotal relation successful the Miami Dolphins’ historical undefeated 1972 Super Bowl season.

Manny Fernandez, a Dolphins Ring of Honor subordinate and two-time Super Bowl champion, died astatine 79, the squad announced Tuesday. "We are profoundly saddened by the passing of Manny Fernandez," a connection from the Dolphins read.

A origin of decease was not instantly disclosed.

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Washington Redskins moving backmost Larry Brown is stopped by Miami Dolphins defender Manny Fernandez during the NFL Super Bowl VII crippled successful Los Angeles, California, connected Jan. 14, 1973. (AP Photo)

Fernandez spent the entirety of his eight-year nonrecreational shot vocation with the Dolphins, helping Miami physique its famed "No-Name Defense." He is wide regarded arsenic 1 of the pioneers of the chemoreceptor tackle presumption successful the NFL.

The portion helped pb the Dolphins to 3 consecutive Super Bowl appearances from 1971-73, including back-to-back titles successful 1972 and 1973.

Manny Fernandez of the Miami Dolphins runs onto the tract against the New England Patriots during an NFL crippled astatine The Orange Bowl successful Miami, Florida, circa 1971. Fernandez played for the Dolphins from 1968 to 1975. (Focus On Sport/Getty Images)

"His accordant and selfless contributions connected the tract were instrumental to the Dolphins' occurrence passim the aboriginal 1970s, peculiarly successful the team's 3 consecutive Super Bowl appearances, successful which helium produced immoderate of the astir memorable antiaircraft performances successful the past of the game," the Dolphins' connection continued.

Fernandez was ascendant during the Dolphins’ Super Bowl triumph implicit Washington pursuing their undefeated 1972 season. That squad besides included stars specified arsenic Bob Griese, Nick Buoniconti and Larry Csonka.

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Fernandez’s dominance successful Super Bowl VII was truthful overwhelming that adjacent the game’s MVP believed the game's apical idiosyncratic grant could person gone elsewhere.

"They weren't double-teaming Manny, which astir of the different teams we played successful the part did during the season," helium said. "Manny was successful their backfield the full time conscionable doing immoderate helium wanted to do. Maybe I should person shared the MVP with Manny."

Former Miami Dolphins subordinate Manny Fernandez smiles aft receiving a shot during the Dolphins All-Time 50th Anniversary Team ceremonial astatine an NFL crippled against the New York Giants successful Miami Gardens, Florida, connected Dec. 14, 2015. (Lynne Sladky/AP)

An undrafted escaped cause retired of Utah successful 1968, Fernandez was inducted into the Dolphins’ Ring of Honor successful 2014.

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"Our thoughts are with his family, loved ones and teammates arsenic we retrieve 1 of the champion players successful Dolphins history," the team's connection concluded.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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