Former Dolphins DT Manny Fernandez Dies At 79

Fernandez played a total of eight seasons (1968-75), beginning his career when Miami was in the AFL. At the onset of the post-merger period, the former undrafted free agent was instrumental in the Dolphins’ success. That included key roles leading up to and during the team’s three consecutive Super Bowl appearances early in the 1970s.

A full-time starter for most of his career – which was spent exclusively in Miami – Fernandez enjoyed productive showings in the regular season. He is, however, best remembered for his output during the playoffs and in Miami’s Super Bowls. Fernandez is officially credited with 4.5 career postseason sacks, and his performance in Super Bowl LVII was critical in cementing Miami’s perfect campaign in 1972. To this day, that remains the only undefeated regular and postseason in NFL history.

Miami went on to win the following Super Bowl and further cement the legacy of head coach Don Shula and the core players who led the way to that sustained success. Fernandez was certainly among that group, totaling at least four sacks in each of his first six seasons. His career took place before tackles became an official statistic, but the Utah product served as a key figure against the run in addition to his work as a pass rushing presence.

Every member of the ’72 team was ultimately inducted into the Dolphins’ Ring of Honor. Fernandez’s accolades – which included a top-10 finish in MVP voting in 1970 – made him one of the players honored again on an individual basis, though. That took place in 2014, further highlighting his significance to the Dolphins and to the ‘No-Name’ defense which he played a central role in across the course of his decorated career.