How Did Manny Fernandez Die? Miami Dolphins Legend and Two-Time Super Bowl Champ Dies Aged 79 As NFL Left in Mourning

Manny Fernandez, the hard-hitting defensive lineman who helped power the Miami Dolphins’ legendary “No-Name Defense” during the 1970s, has died aged 79. Fernandez played a major role in both of the Miami Dolphins’ Super Bowl championship teams, starting with the franchise’s legendary 1972 campaign, when Miami completed a perfect 17-0 season.

He died Sunday in Ellaville. The Miami Dolphins announced the news on Thursday but didn’t reveal a cause of death. “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,” read the team statement.

A Legend Is Gone

“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.”

Fernandez arguably delivered one of the best performances of his career in Miami’s Super Bowl VII win over the highly favored Washington Redskins, helping secure the only perfect season in NFL history. He sacked quarterback Billy Kilmer and finished the game with 17 tackles.

Despite the dominant outing, Fernandez was not named Super Bowl MVP.

Several teammates believed he deserved the honor over safety Jake Scott, who earned the award after recording two interceptions in Miami’s 14-7 win.

“It was the game of his life–in fact, it was the most dominant game by a defensive lineman in the history of the game, and he would never be given much credit for it,” legendary teammate teammate Nick Buoniconti wrote in ‘Super Bowl: The Game of Their Lives.’

“They should have given out two game balls and made Manny Fernandez the co-MVP with Jake Scott. He beat their center Len Hauss like a drum,” Buoniconti added.

Star in His Own Right

Standing 6-foot-2 and weighing 250 pounds, Fernandez grew up in the Bay Area and first played college football at Chabot College before transferring to University of Utah. Even though he went undrafted in 1968, he earned a spot with the Miami Dolphins during training camp under then-head coach George Wilson.

Miami struggled during Fernandez’s first two seasons, finishing 5-8-1 and 3-10-1. The team’s fortunes changed in 1970 after future Hall of Fame coach Don Shula took over, leading the Dolphins to a 10-4 record.

From 1971 through 1973, Miami reached three consecutive Super Bowls and won two championships, establishing itself as one of the greatest teams in sports history.

While the offense featured stars such as quarterbacks Bob Griese and Earl Morrall, running backs Larry Csonka and Mercury Morris, and receiver Paul Warfield, it was the famed “No-Name Defense” that defined the team. Miami’s championship squads in both 1972 and 1973 allowed the fewest points in the NFL during those seasons.