Two-Time Super Bowl Champion Manny Fernandez Passes Away at 79

Former defensive lineman Manny Fernandez, who was one of the anchors of the Miami Dolphins' 1972 and 1973 Super Bowl championship teams, has passed away. He was 79.

The Dolphins confirmed Fernandez's death on social media Tuesday morning.

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Manny Fernandez. pic.twitter.com/nh0xcQ0YIX

— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) May 26, 2026

"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," the team said in a 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."

From undrafted to unforgettable

A standout at the University of Utah, Fernandez was not selected in the 1968 NFL Draft. He wound up signing with the Miami Dolphins and immediately became a starter on the defensive line.

In eight seasons with the Dolphins, lining up mostly at defensive tackle, Fernandez recorded 35 sacks and six fumble recoveries in 103 regular season games. He also added 4.5 sacks in 10 postseason contests, turning in his finest performance in Super Bowl VII.

In a 14-7 win over the Washington Redskins, which wrapped up Miami's 17-0 perfect season, Fernandez logged 17 tackles and a sack. Overall, he recorded 28 tackles and three sacks in three Super Bowl appearances.

Remembering Manny

Tributes to Fernandez from Miami fans and media alike have been pouring in on X/Twitter.

"Noooooo loved Manny Fernandez!! My condolences to his family and I hope he's at peace," one Dolphins fan tweeted.

"I was too young to see you play live, but I always took a particular interest in your game," another Dolphins fan added. "You were the definition of tough. Hunting alligators as a hobby is bad ass. You were one of the building blocks this once proud franchise was built upon. RIP Manny #PhinsUp."

"Had the great opportunity to meet Manny at autograph signing. Such a nice and pleasant guy to me," a third fan chimed in.

"Manny Fernandez, should've been named Super Bowl MVP in the Miami Dolphins Perfect Season and had one of the greatest plays I've ever seen - he stole the opposing team's handoff. Haven't ever seen that play replicated before or since," added MS Now analyst Fernand Amandi.

"In the Dolphins' greatest years, Manny Fernandez was their best defensive player," added Athlon Sports' Doug Farrar.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 26, 2026, where it first appeared in the Sports section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published May 26, 2026 at 8:39 AM.