Former Miami Dolphins great from Perfect Season dies at 76

Mike Kolen, a mainstay of the 1972 Miami Dolphins’ perfect season, died Wednesday in his native Alabama, Auburn University and the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame announced. He was 76.

Kolen, nicknamed “Captain Crunch,” by teammates for his bruising tackles, was a 12th-round pick who started every game as a Dolphins linebacker in 1970. He held that position on what became known as the No-Name Defense for most of eight seasons, including the Super Bowl-winning teams in 1972 and 1973.

Kolen became a realtor and had an investment business in Birmingham, Ala., after his playing career. He presented the “Mike Kolen Award” annually to the leading tackler at his alma mater, Auburn. He returned to South Florida for reunions of the ’72 Dolphins, most recently for their 50th anniversary in 2022.

Kolen becomes the 20th player of the 1972 Dolphins to have died. The others: Tim Foley (2023), Hubert Ginn (2023), Marlin Briscoe (2022), Jim Kiick (2020), Jake Scott (2020), Nick Buoniconti (2019), Bob Kuechenberg (2019), Jim Langer (2019), Jim Dunaway (2018), Bill Stanfill (2016), Mike Howell (2016), Garo Yepremian (2015), Earl Morrall (2014), Jesse Powell (2012), Jim Mandich (2011), Charlie Leigh (2006), Billy Lothridge (1996), Bob Matheson (1994) and Wayne Moore (1989).

All six coaches from that team have died, too: Don Shula (2020), Howard Schnellenberger (2021), Bill Arnsparger (2015), Mo Scarry, (2012), Monte Clark (2009) and Carl Taseff (2005).