Bob Heinz, a defensive lineman who was part of the only undefeated team in NFL history, the 1972 Miami Dolphins, has died at the age of 79.
Heinz was a member of the Dolphins squad that completed a 17-0 season, including a Super Bowl VII victory against the Washington Redskins. He played on the famed "No-Name Defense," a unit that earned its moniker from Dallas Cowboys coach Tom Landry due to its lack of star power.
Drafted in the second round of the 1969 NFL Draft from the University of Pacific, Heinz played for the Dolphins until 1977, securing two Super Bowl titles during his tenure. He concluded his NFL career with one season in Washington.
During his career, Heinz appeared in 109 games, starting 55. After retiring from football, he transitioned to a career in advertising in California.
His son, John Heinz, told the Miami Herald that his father died of natural causes on Saturday, October 31, following a diagnosis of heart failure four years prior. John Heinz described his father as a "giant of a person" who possessed both a "big tough" football persona and an "overwhelmingly kind and caring" nature.
Heinz is survived by his wife of 56 years, Carol, their three children—Julie, Joe, and John—and two grandchildren. An online obituary noted his "friendship, his sense of humor, and his deep love for those closest to him."
Heinz's passing occurred the day before the Minnesota Vikings, the last undefeated team of the current season, suffered a loss. This ensures that the 1972 Dolphins' perfect record remains intact for another year. Following the Vikings' defeat, former Dolphins teammate Larry Csonka posted on X, congratulating the Detroit Lions and extending cheers to his "'72 undefeated teammates and #MiamiDolphin fans on our now 54 year record!"
In 2015, Heinz's Super Bowl VIII ring was sold to a private investor and later fetched $68,040 at auction.
