Former Dolphins running back Sammy Price has passed away at the age of 82. As reported by the New York Post, he died in Waterville, Ohio, a suburb of Toledo.
Price was most well known for his iconic role in Hall of Famer Bob Griese's career, back when he was a rookie. He had caught his first touchdown pass in 1967. The 27-yard pass lead to one of two career touchdowns for Price.
He had played 3 seasons in the NFL between 1966-68, all for the Miami Dolphins. However, his career had stemmed from Illinois, where he had been a letterman for three years prior to being picked for the draft.
However, Price originally wasn't destined to be a Dolphin - he'd been chosen by the Giants originally. But his heart was with the Dolphins, so that's where he chose to go.
His best season in the NFL was in 1967. There, he started in nine games, rushed 179 yards and scored his two career touchdowns. Over his entire career, however, he acheived 82 rushes for 313 yards.
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Tributes Poured in for the Dolphins Star
Tributes have poured in for the Dolphins running back across the Internet.
Mike Pearson, the former sports information director at Illinois, published a touching tribute about Price. "We are saddened to hear about the passing on Wednesday (August 9) of three-time 1960s Illinois Football letterman Sam Price."
"A member of Pete Elliott's '63 Big Ten, and '64 Rose Bowl championship team, Sam later played in the NFL for the Miami Dolphins."
Commenters online also lamented the passing of the Dolphins star. One wrote, "I read Mr. Price passed away, and mentioned was the FACT he had caught Hall of Famer quarterback Bob Griese's FIRST PASS."
"To be mentioned in the same breath as Bob Griese is an accomplishment in itself in the NFL... may you rest in peace Mr. Price." He also shared a touching photo of the Dolphins running back in in 1967 Miami Dolphins squad.
May he rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with Price's family as they navigate this unimaginable loss.
