Two-Time Super Bowl Champion, 8-Year NFL Veteran, Dies

Manny Fernandez, one of the NFL‘s most prolific pass rushers of his era, died May 24. He was 79.

Fernandez spent his entire eight-year NFL career (1968-75) with the Dolphins. He helped Don Shula’s teams win Super Bowl VII and VIII, using two sacks in the former game to help the Dolphins complete the NFL’s first perfect season at 17-0.

“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 an anchor of the Dolphins’ legendary No-Name Defense,” the team said in a statement. “His consistent and selfless contributions on the field were instrumental to the Dolphins’ success throughout the early 1970s, particularly in the team’s three consecutive Super Bowl appearances, in which he produced some of the most memorable defensive performances in the history of the game.

“Our thoughts are with his family, loved ones, and teammates as we remember one of the best players in Dolphins history.”

A San Lorenzo, California native, Fernandez signed with the Dolphins as an undrafted free agent out of the University of Utah prior to the 1968 season.

"When I was at San Lorenzo (High School), I didn't really have a lot of self-confidence,” he said in a 2006 interview. “I dreamed of being a Raider, but figured I'd be a Longshoreman. I never really looked beyond tomorrow."

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By his third season in Miami, Fernandez was an All-Pro and even appeared on an MVP ballot in 1970.

Primarily a defensive tackle, Fernandez was credited with 35 sacks and six fumble recoveries in 103 regular season games. He also added 4.5 sacks in 10 postseason games. In Super Bowl XII alone, in which the Dolphins beat the Washington Redskins 14-7 to complete their perfect season, Fernandez was credited with 17 tackles.

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After retiring from the NFL, Fernandez settled in Georgia and worked in the insurance industry. In December 2014, Fernandez was selected to the Dolphins’ Ring of Honor.

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This story was originally published May 26, 2026 at 7:09 AM.