Two-Time Super Bowl Champion Manny Fernandez Dead at 79

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated May 26, 2026 11:18 AM ET

A key member of the Miami Dolphins during their legendary run in the early-1970s has left us this week as defensive tackle Manny Fernandez passed away. He was 79 years old.

Fernandez went undrafted out of Utah in 1968 and played all eight of his seasons for the Dolphins, winning two Super Bowls. He was a core member of the iconic "No-Name Defense," which dominated the NFL for years under the leadership of the late-great Don Shula.

While Fernandez never earned any Pro Bowl or All-Pro accolades, he finished ninth in the MVP voting in 1970.

The Dolphins have released a statement on Fernandez's passing.

"We are deeply saddened by the passing of Manny Fernandez, a member of the 1972 Perfect Team, a two-time Super Bowl champion, Ring of Honor member and an anchor of the Dolphins' legendary No-Name Defense. 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. Our thoughts are with his family, loved ones and teammates as we remember one of the best players in Dolphins history," the team said.

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Manny Fernandez. pic.twitter.com/nh0xcQ0YIX
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) May 26, 2026

Perfect

Fans on social media offered their condolences and many feel that he deserved far more recognition than he got:

"RIP Manny! Truely on of the best to ever play the game!" one user declared.

"I grew up watching and idolizing Manny. May he rest in peace," wrote another.

"Should have been SB 7 MVP with 17 solo tackles. Spent more time in Redskins backfield than Billy Kilmer. RIP," lamented a third.

LOS ANGELES - JANUARY 14: Linebacker Nick Buoniconti #85 (C) pumps up teammates (L-R) Bill Stanfill #84, Mike Kolen #57 and Larry Little #66 of the Miami Dolphins defensive line during Super Bowl VIII against the Washington Redskins at Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California on January 14, 1973. The Dolphins defeated the Redskins 14-7. (Photo by Focus On Sport/Getty Images)Focus On Sport/Getty Images

Though Fernandez has never been up for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, he has been honored many times by the team and by media members.

Pro Football Weekly and USA Today have both named him to their All-Time Super Bowl teams, and the Dolphins voted him to their All-Time Team in 2007.

In 2014, Fernandez was honored with induction into the Miami Dolphins Honor Roll (now the Ring of Honor).

Our hearts go out to Fernandez's family and loved ones.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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