Former Miami Dolphins Defensive Tackle Bob Heinz Dies at 79

Bob Heinz, a former NFL defensive tackle and member of the Miami Dolphins’ undefeated 1972 team, has died at the age of 79. The Miami Dolphins announced his passing on Tuesday, stating, "We are saddened to learn of the passing of former Dolphins defensive tackle Bob Heinz, who played for Miami from 1969-77. 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."

Career and Achievements

Heinz was a second-round pick for the Dolphins in the 1969 NFL Draft, selected with the No. 37 overall pick. A Milwaukee, Wisconsin, native, he played college football at Delta College and the University of the Pacific before turning professional. He was inducted into Pacific’s Hall of Fame in 1988.

During his tenure with the Dolphins from 1969 to 1977, Heinz was a member of the "No-Name Defense," a term given to the unit by Cowboys coach Tom Landry, who referred to them as "a bunch of no-names."

Heinz's career highlights include:

• Being a member of the 1972 Dolphins, which remains the only undefeated, untied team in NFL history.
• Winning two Super Bowl titles in 1973 and 1974.
• Playing 111 games and recording nine sacks during his NFL career.
• Starting eight games for the 1972 Dolphins team.

Heinz earned a starting role in 1971, his third season in the league, recording 3.5 sacks that year. He missed the entire 1975 season due to an injury but returned to play in 1976 and 1977. He concluded his professional career in 1978, playing two games for the Washington Redskins.

Personal Life

Heinz married Carol Covington in 1970, and the couple spent 56 years together and raised three children. He is survived by his wife, Carol; his children, Julie, Joe, and John; daughter-in-law, Laura; two grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

According to his obituary, Heinz "will be remembered for his friendship, his sense of humor, and his deep love for those closest to him." The obituary noted that he "enjoyed a good cigar and bourbon, the music of Jimmy Buffett, cheering on the San Francisco Giants, and rooting against any NFL team attempting perfection."

In lieu of flowers, his family has requested that donations be made to the Miami Dolphins Foundation.

Death and Circumstances

The Miami Herald reported that Heinz died of natural causes. The New York Post reported that Heinz had been diagnosed with heart failure four years ago and died in California.

In 2015, Heinz made headlines when his Super Bowl VIII championship ring was sold at auction for $68,040.

---

Sources

• foxnews.com: Super Bowl champion and member of Dolphins' undefeated 1972 team dead at 79 | OutKick
• nbcsports.com: Bob Heinz, member of undefeated 1972 Dolphins' "No-Name Defense," dies at 79 - NBC Sports
• mezha.net: Bob Heinz, member of Dolphins’ undefeated 1972 team, dies at 79
• thebiglead.com: Undefeated 1972 Dolphins lineman Bob Heinz dies at 79
• nypost.com: Bob Heinz, member of Dolphins 1972 undefeated team, dead at 79

This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.