Bob Heinz, Super Bowl champion and defensive tackle on Dolphins' undefeated 1972 team, dies
FILE-A Miami Dolphins 1972 throwback style helmet rests near the sidelines during the game between the Pittsburg Steelers and the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, October 23, 2022 at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL (Photo by Peter Joneleit/Icon Sportsw
Bob Heinz, a former NFL defensive tackle who was a member of the undefeated 1972 Miami Dolphins’ "No-Name Defense" and winner of two Super Bowl rings, has died. He was 79 years old.
Heinz died of natural causes on Oct. 31 in Fresno, Cal., his son John said Tuesday. Heinz was diagnosed with heart failure four years ago, The Miami Herald reported.
Miami Dolphins statement on Bob Heinz
What they're saying:
The Miami Dolphins remembered Bob Heinz in a post from their official X account that read: "We are saddened to learn of the passing of former Dolphins defensive tackle Bob Heinz, who played for Miami from 1969-77."
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"Bob was a member of the 1972 Perfect Team, a two-time Super Bowl champion and a key part of Miami’s legendary No-Name Defense. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, loved ones and former teammates."
Who was Bob Heinz?
The backstory:
Bob Heinz was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and played college football at Delta College and Pacific and was drafted by the Miami Dolphins with the No. 37 overall pick in the second round of the 1969 NFL Draft.
In 1971, Heinz earned a starting role with the Miami Dolphins, recording 3.5 sacks that season and later became a stalwart for the defensive line for head coach Don Shula in 1972 and 1973, when the team won back-to-back Super Bowl championships.
Heinz played his final season with the Dolphins in 1977 and played two games for the Washington Redskins in 1978 before retiring.
The Source: Information for this story was provided by FOX News and Pro Football Reference. This story was reported from Washington, D.C.