Bob Heinz has sadly passed away at the age of 79. He was best known for his tenure with the Miami Dolphins, including their undefeated season in 1972. Shortly after Heinz' death became public, the Dolphins' released a statement.
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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," the statement said. "We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, loved ones and former teammates."
According to the Miami Herald, Heinz passed away in California. His death has been deemed as natural causes. The former Dolphins player had previously been diagnosed with heart failure. Bob's son, John, provided the Herald with a short tribute for his late father.
"What I loved most about my dad was just his loving good nature," John Heinz wrote in an e-mail to the outlet. "He was a giant of a person and looked every bit the part of the 'big tough football player,' which he of course was. But he was an overwhelmingly kind and caring person - a trait I've definitely sought to emulate in my life."
It has also been noted that a private funeral service is being arranged by the family. They've asked that in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Bob's memory to the Miami Dolphins foundation.
Bob Heinz Is a Miami Dolphins Legend
Heinz spent nine seasons in the NFL, eight of which were with the Dolphins. He joined the franchise in 1969, and immediately played 14 games as a rookie, starting one of them. In his sophomore season, Heinz once again suited up for 14 games with one start.
However, in his third season with the Dolphins, Heinz began to break into the first-team picture, playing as a right defensive tackles, he started 10 of his 15 games. From that point onward, Heinz was a mainstay in the Dolphins' rotation. In total, he played in 109 regular-season games for the franchise. Unfortunately, his era of football came before stats were tracked, so details of his on-field dominance are limited.
What we do know, though, is that Heinz helped the Dolphins win the 1972 and 1973 Super Bowls.
Heinz is a Dolphins legend and will be sorely missed.
