Bob Heinz, a two-time Dolphins Super Bowl champion who was a key piece of their undefeated 1972 season, died on Oct 31, his family announced.
He was 79.
The Miami Herald reported that Heinz, who was diagnosed with heart failure four years ago, died in California of natural causes.
“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 Dolphins said in a statement. “We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, loved ones and former teammates.”
Heinz, a Milwaukee native who then moved to California, attended Delta College and the University of the Pacific before getting selected in the second round of the 1969 NFL Draft.
He joined a Miami team that struggled in ’69 but immediately became contenders in 1970 after Hall of Fame coach Don Shula took over the reins.
Heinz was part of a stout defense — nicknamed the “No-Name Defense” — that helped the Dolphins reach three straight Super Bowls, winning two in 1972 and ’73. He suited up in 14 total games across the regular season and postseason for the ’72 squad, still the NFL’s only perfect team.
He played 109 games for Miami and recorded nine sacks. Heinz suited up in 11 playoff games — with 10 starts — and had 2.5 sacks.
Heinz ended his career with a two-game stint with Washington in 1978.
“He will be remembered for his friendship, his sense of humor, and his deep love for those closest to him,” Heinz’s online obituary read. “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.”
Heinz, a football and track athlete during his time at Pacific, was inducted into the university’s athletic Hall of Fame in 1988.
Instead of flowers, his family is asking for donations to the Miami Dolphins Foundation.
