Bob Heinz, a former NFL defensive tackle who was on the Miami Dolphins’ 1972 undefeated team and won two Super Bowl titles, has died, the team announced Tuesday. He was 79.
The Dolphins released a statement on Heinz’s passing.
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Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Bob Heinz (72) on the field during Super Bowl VI against the Dallas Cowboys at Tulane Stadium in New Orleans, La., on Jan. 16, 1972. The Cowboys won 24-3. (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
“We are saddened to learn of the passing of former Dolphins defensive tackle Bob Heinz, who played for Miami from 1969-77,” the team said in a post on X.
“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.”
Heinz died of natural causes, the Miami Herald reported.
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Miami Dolphins defensive tackles Manny Fernandez (75) and Bob Heinz (72) talk at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Fla., in October 1973. (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
The Milwaukee, Wisconsin, native played college football at Delta College and Pacific before turning pro. The Dolphins selected him with the No. 37 overall pick in the second round of the 1969 NFL Draft.
Heinz earned his way into a starting role in 1971 – his third season in the league. He had 3.5 sacks that year. He became an anchor for the defensive line under Don Shula in 1972 and 1973 when the Dolphins won back-to-back Super Bowl titles. He played alongside Vern Den Herder, Bill Stanfill and Manny Fernandez those years.
He finished his tenure with the Dolphins in 1977 and played two games for the Washington Redskins in 1978 before calling it a career.
Heinz married Carol Covington in 1970 and the two spent 56 years together and raised three children, according to his obituary.
Miami Dolphins defensive tackles Manny Fernandez and Bob Heinz and defensive end Vern Den Herder stop Washington Redskins running back Larry Brown during Super Bowl VII at Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, Calif., on Jan. 14, 1973. The Dolphins defeated the Redskins 14-7, completing a perfect 17-0 season. (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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“He will be remembered for his friendship, his sense of humor, and his deep love for those closest to him,” the obituary read. “He enjoyed a good cigar and bourbon, the music of Jimmy Buffett, cheering on the San Francisco Giants, and rooting against any NFL team attempting perfection.”