Two years ago, the Miami Dolphins, a storied franchise in the NFL, lost two of their most beloved legendary players: **Nick Buoniconti** and **Manny Fernandez**. These two names hold immense significance in the history of the Dolphins, not just for their contributions on the field, but also for their lasting impact on the team’s legacy and the wider NFL community. Both men were members of the Dolphins’ iconic **1972 undefeated team**, a squad that remains one of the greatest in NFL history. Despite their passing, the Dolphins and their fans have made it a point to honor these legends annually, ensuring their memories and contributions continue to live on.
### **Nick Buoniconti: The Heart of the Dolphins’ Defense**
Nick Buoniconti passed away on **July 30, 2019**, at the age of 78. Buoniconti was a linebacker who became a key figure in the Miami Dolphins’ defense during the 1970s, particularly during their perfect 1972 season, which saw the team go 17-0 and win Super Bowl VII. Buoniconti was known for his hard-hitting style of play, exceptional football IQ, and leadership on and off the field.
#### **Legacy with the Dolphins**
Buoniconti’s career with the Dolphins spanned from 1969 to 1976, and he played a pivotal role in helping the team achieve sustained success. His leadership in the middle of the defense made him one of the most respected players in the league. A **six-time Pro Bowler**, Buoniconti was also known for his ability to read the offense and make key plays when the Dolphins needed it most. His toughness and discipline on the field earned him a place in the **Miami Dolphins Ring of Honor**, cementing his place as one of the greatest players in franchise history.
After his playing career, Buoniconti remained involved with the Dolphins and the NFL, as well as taking on a variety of charitable and philanthropic activities. He was particularly noted for his work with **The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis**, a foundation he founded with his son Marc after Marc was left paralyzed from a spinal cord injury. The foundation raised millions of dollars for spinal cord research.
Though Buoniconti passed away in 2019, his legacy continues to be honored by the Dolphins every year. Each season, his name is remembered during ceremonies and special events, especially as the Dolphins reflect on their undefeated 1972 team. The **Buoniconti Fund**, as well as his contributions to the sport, keeps his memory alive in the hearts of both old and new Dolphins fans.
### **Manny Fernandez: The Defensive Force**
Manny Fernandez, another star of the 1972 Dolphins team, also passed away in 2019, just a few months after Buoniconti, on **August 3, 2019**, at the age of 76. Fernandez was a dominant defensive tackle who played for the Dolphins from 1968 to 1975. Known for his strength, relentless motor, and ability to disrupt offenses, Fernandez was an integral part of the Dolphins’ defensive line during their championship years.
#### **Legacy with the Dolphins**
Fernandez’s most notable contribution came in the **1972 Super Bowl**, where he delivered a game-changing performance against the Washington Redskins, helping to shut down their offense and secure the Dolphins’ perfect season. His performance in the Super Bowl earned him recognition as one of the best defensive tackles of his era. Over the course of his career, Fernandez was a **two-time All-Pro** and was instrumental in the Dolphins’ defense, especially during their undefeated season. Like Buoniconti, Fernandez was also part of the **Dolphins’ Ring of Honor**, an acknowledgment of his exceptional contribution to the team’s success.
Though his career with the Dolphins was relatively short, Fernandez’s impact was long-lasting. After his football career, Fernandez stayed involved in community service and, like Buoniconti, became an advocate for various charitable causes. His untimely death in 2019 was a devastating blow to the Dolphins’ community, but the team has consistently honored his legacy, especially around the anniversary of the team’s perfect season.
Each year, the Dolphins remember Fernandez and Buoniconti through various team events, including special tributes during home games, particularly when the team celebrates the historic **1972 undefeated season**. The Dolphins’ annual commemorations serve as a reminder of the importance of these players not just to the franchise but to the history of professional football.
### **Honoring Their Memory**
Despite their passing in 2019, both Nick Buoniconti and Manny Fernandez are remembered every year through various team efforts, celebrations, and charitable causes. The Miami Dolphins are known for honoring the legacy of their legends, particularly the players of the 1972 undefeated team.
#### **Annual Tributes**
Each season, the team highlights the historical significance of the **1972 Miami Dolphins** during events such as **Ring of Honor inductions**, fan appreciation days, and **Super Bowl anniversaries**. The Dolphins’ connection to the past remains strong, as the team often recalls the contributions of Buoniconti, Fernandez, and other players from that legendary squad.
In particular, the Dolphins dedicate specific games or times in the season to remembering their legendary figures, and these events are typically accompanied by video montages, speeches, and appearances by former teammates. Fans are given the opportunity to celebrate the greats who helped put the Dolphins on the map as one of the most successful teams in NFL history.
The Dolphins’ **Ring of Honor** serves as a permanent tribute to players like Buoniconti and Fernandez, ensuring that their impact on the franchise is never forgotten. The team also maintains an ongoing relationship with the Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis, which continues to raise awareness for spinal cord injuries and honors Buoniconti’s legacy of advocacy and philanthropy.
### **Conclusion**
The passing of **Nick Buoniconti** and **Manny Fernandez** in 2019 marked the loss of two of the Miami Dolphins’ most cherished players, but their legacies are far from forgotten. Each year, the team continues to honor them in a variety of ways, from commemorating the undefeated 1972 season to holding charitable events in their names. Their contributions on the field, as well as their lasting impact off the field, ensure that these two Dolphins legends will never be forgotten.
Through these annual honors, the Dolphins preserve the memories of Buoniconti and Fernandez, not only as incredible athletes but also as influential figures who shaped the franchise’s rich history and the sport of football itself.
