Legendary Miami Dolphins defensive lineman and two-time Super Bowl champion Manny Fernandez has died at the age of 79, the team announced on Tuesday.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Manny Fernandez. pic.twitter.com/nh0xcQ0YIX
TOP NEWS
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) May 26, 2026
Fernandez went undrafted in 1968 and went on to play all eight seasons of his NFL career with the Dolphins. He received MVP votes in 1970 before helping the Dolphins complete a perfect regular season in 1972.
Miami also went undefeated throughout the playoffs, taking down Washington in the Super Bowl as Fernandez was credited with 17 tackles in that matchup.
The Dolphins went on to win another Super Bowl the following season.
Fernandez finished his career as a two-time second team All-Pro and was inducted into the Dolphins’ Ring of Honor in 2014.
“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 team’s statement read.
“Our thoughts are with his family, loved ones and teammates as we remember one of the best players in Dolphins history.”
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
