Teammates Pay Tribute To Bob Heinz, Dolphins’ Defensive Tackle For Undefeated 1972 Team, Who Died At 79

Bob Heinz, a defensive tackle on the Miami Dolphins’ undefeated 1972 team, died, the team announced last week. Now, tributes are pouring in from teammates and fans alike.

The Dolphins released a statement on Heinz’s passing.

“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.

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“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.”

The Miami Herald reported that Heinz died of natural causes.

Heinz played college football at Delta College and Pacific before entering the draft. The Dolphins selected him with the No.37 overall pick in the second round of the 1969 NFL Draft.

Heinz became a starter in 1971, his third season in the league. He finished the season with 3.5 sacks. He anchored the defensive line under Don Shula in 1972 and 1973, when the Dolphins won back-to-back Super Bowl titles.

His tenure with the Dolphins ended in 1977, and he played two games for the Washington Redskins in 1978 before retiring.

Heinz married Carol Covington in 1970, and they spent 56 years together and raised three children, according to his obituary.

“He will be remembered for his friendship, his sense of humor, and his deep love for those closest to him. 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,” the obituary read.