Manny Fernandez, the ferocious mutton-chopped lineman who starred on the Miami Dolphins’ famed ‘No-Name Defense’ in the 1970s, has passed away at 79.
Fernandez was on both of the Dolphins’ Super Bowl-winning teams, beginning with Miami’s historic 17-0 season in 1972.
He passed away Sunday in Ellaville, Georgia. The team announced his death on Thursday, although no cause was given.
‘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.
‘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.’
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Manny Fernandez, the ferocious mutton-chopped lineman who starred on the Miami Dolphins’ famed ‘No-Name Defense,’ has passed away at 79
Former Miami Dolphins player Manny Fernandez stands next to former Miami Dolphins Head Coach Don Shula as Fernandez is inducted into the Miami Dolphins Honor Roll in 2014
