Manny Fernandez, known for his fierce play and distinctive mutton chops, was a key player in the Miami Dolphins’ legendary ‘No-Name Defense’ during the 1970s. He has died at the age of 79.
Fernandez played a crucial role on both of the Dolphins’ Super Bowl-winning teams, including Miami’s remarkable and unbeaten 17-0 season in 1972.
His passing occurred on Sunday in Ellaville, Georgia, but it was not announced by the team until Thursday. No cause of death was provided.
“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 a cornerstone of the Dolphins’ legendary No-Name Defense,” the team stated.
“His unwavering dedication and selfless play were vital to the Dolphins’ early 1970s success, particularly during the team’s three consecutive Super Bowl appearances, where he delivered some of the most unforgettable defensive performances in the history of the sport.”
“Our thoughts are with his family, loved ones, and teammates as we honor one of the greatest players in Dolphins history.”
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
Fernandez (75) sacked Kilmer (17) and added 17 total tackles in the historic Super Bowl VII win
Fernandez may have been at his best in Miami’s Super Bowl VII win over the favorited Washington Redskins, which sealed the only perfect season in NFL history. In addition to sacking Washington quarterback Billy Kilmer, Fernandez had 17 total tackles.
Despite this, he was not named MVP, although several teammates felt he deserved the honor over safety Jake Scott, who had two interceptions in the 14-7 win.
‘It was the game of his life–in fact, it was the most dominant game by a defensive lineman in the history of the game, and he would never be given much credit for it,’ legendary teammate teammate Nick Buoniconti wrote in ‘Super Bowl: The Game of Their Lives.’
‘They should have given out two game balls and made Manny Fernandez the co-MVP with Jake Scott.
‘He beat their center Len Hauss like a drum,’ Buoniconti added.
Fernandez’s signature play of that season came in the 24-23 win over the rival Buffalo Bills after he checked himself out of a local hospital, where he was battling long congestion and potential pneumonia.
Although he was still running a fever, Fernandez suited up for the Dolphins and somehow managed to steal a handoff from Buffalo quarterback Dennis Shaw before taking the ball in for a touchdown.
‘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,’ podcaster Fernand R. Amandi wrote on X. ‘Haven’t ever seen that play replicated before or since.’
Dolphins defensive tackle Manny Fernandez runs past Minnesota Vikings guard Ed White (62) but can’t reach quarterback Fran Tarkenton during Super Bowl VIII in January of 1974
Standing 6ft 2in and 250 pounds, the Bay Area native played at Chabot Junior College before enrolling at Utah. Although he’d go unselected in the 1968 NFL Draft, Fernandez would make the Dolphins out of training camp under then-head coach George Wilson.
Miami went just 5-8-1 and 3-10-1 in Fernandez’s first two seasons but improved to 10-4 in 1970 under new head coach and future Hall of Famer, Don Shula. Then, from 1971 through 1973, the Dolphins would reach three straight Super Bowls, winning two, while cementing themselves as one of the most dominant teams in sports history.
Although the offense boasted quarterbacks Bob Griese and Earl Morrall, running backs Larry Csonka and Mercury Morris, as well as receiver Paul Warfield, it was the notorious No-Name Defense that became the Dolphins’ signature. In fact, Miami’s title-winning teams in both 1972 and 1973 surrendered the fewest points among NFL defenses in those respective seasons.
Fernandez distinctive facial hair was surpassed by his truly unique personality.
Known as an avid outdoorsman, Fernandez famously caught an alligator in the Florida Everglades during training camp at Biscayne College. He would later tape its mouth shut and drop it into the shower with Shula, the famed disciplinarian, who was scared, but later laughed it off as a harmless prank.
‘The great thing about Shula,’ Csonka told TMZ in 202, ‘on a thing like the alligator, he had a good sense of humor and he appreciated that and he had a good laugh about it.’
Video of Fernandez simultaneously smoking a cigarette while wrangling the alligator remains a fixation among die-hard Dolphins fans and smokers alike.
Although he lived a private life in retirement, Fernandez did make news in 2013.
When President Barack Obama invited the 1972 Dolphins to the White House to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their perfect season, Fernandez joined teammates Bob Kuechenberg and Jim Langer in refusing the offer on political grounds.
‘I’ll just say my views are diametrically opposed to the President’s,’ Fernandez told the South Florida Sun-Sentinel’s David Hyde. ‘Enough said. Let’s leave it at that. I hope everyone enjoys the trip who goes.’
Fernandez was preceded in death by his wife, Marcia, who passed away in 2015, according to an online obituary. The couple had two children, a daughter, Christina, and son, James.
Many Dolphins fans reacted to the news by sharing their memories of Fernandez online.
‘Back when the Miami Dolphins had a fan club Manny would show up to a meeting every season and share stories and give his own perspective on what he thought the Team was doing and what was wrong when things were going bad,’ one fan wrote on X. ‘Always stayed afterwards to sign autographs and chat with everyone.’
Best of all, the fan added, Fernandez ‘had a wonderful signature that was legible.’
