The Miami Dolphins family lost one of their legends on May 24. Manny Fernandez was born on July 3, 1946. He represented the Utah Utes in college football and appeared for the NFL Draft in 1968, where he remained undrafted.
He later signed with the Miami Dolphins in 1968 and spent his entire career playing for them. Fernandez retired in 1975. In his seven-year-long career, Fernandez became one of the best players to ever represent the Dolphins.
The franchise paid tribute to the late legend with a post on social media and an official statement from the Miami Dolphins.
“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,” the Dolphins wrote.
Fernandez won back-to-back Super Bowls in 1972 and 1973. He also made two second-team All-Pro appearances in 1970 and 1973. He is on the Miami Dolphins Honor Roll and was inducted into the Dolphins Walk of Fame in 2012.
The Dolphins, in their statement, also reflected on the invaluable role he played in their success in the early ‘70s and shed light on his selfless contribution.
“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 continued.
“Our thoughts are with his family, loved ones, and teammates as we remember one of the best players in Dolphins history.”
Fernandez was 79 years old, and the cause of his death is still unknown.
Miami Dolphins Head Coach on Malik Willis’ Development
The Dolphins have had a rough few years in the league. They haven’t been to the playoffs since 2023, and their team chemistry last season was embarrassing. The Dolphins have made some key changes this year to get back on track.
They have hired Jeff Hafley as their new head coach and have also brought in quarterback Malik Willis on a three-year, $67.5 million deal. Hefley recently talked about focusing on Willis’ development.
“My main focus for him right now is to learn the scheme, get to know the players, and not overdo the whole leadership thing,” he said. “I mean, I think that’s my job and [the coaches’] job right now, so he can focus on becoming the best quarterback and the best player and the best teammate he can be.”
Willis has had short stints with the Tennessee Titans and the Green Bay Packers since joining the league in 2022.
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