Former Miami Dolphins defensive lineman Manny Fernandez of Oakland, California passed away at the age of 79 according to TSN on Tuesday. Fernandez played eight seasons with the Miami Dolphins from 1968 to 1975.
In 103 games, Fernandez hd six fumble recoveries for one yard and had 35 sacks. It was in the playoffs where Fernandez had his biggest impact for the Dolphins. He had four and a half sacks and one forced fumble in 10 postseason games.
Fernandez was on two Dolphins teams that won Super Bowls. In Super Bowl VII on January 14, 1973, the Dolphins defeated the Washington Redskins 14-7 in a defensive battle. Fernandez had 11 solo tackles, six assisted tackles, and had a key eight-yard sack. The 1972 Dolphins were noteworthy because they were the only team in National Football League history to go undefeated in the regular season and win the Super Bowl. Then in Super Bowl VIII on January 13, 1974, the Dolphins defeated the Minnesota Vikings 24-7. One of Fernandez’s key plays was a six-yard sack in the third quarter when he tackled Vikings quarterback Fran Tarkenton.
There is no doubt that Fernandez was a key part of a Dolphins team that is considered one of the most dynamic in NFL history. The primary reason why the Dolphins had so much success of their defense and Fernandez was the anchor.
What is also shocking is that Fernandez was undrafted after playing his university career at the University of Utah. Other Dolphins from the 1972 team to die in recent years included running back Eugene Morris, and head coach Don Shula.
