Nick with his kids, Nick III, Marc (on lap) and Gina Marie in November 1967. Goodell continued: "Nick was also a broadcaster and businessman, but his biggest impact was through the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, which he co-founded in 1985. He was 78. Nick and Marc were on a Wheaties box in 1997 as part of the Miami Project. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Nick Buoniconti. Buoniconti starred for the Boston Patriots in the 1960s and then the Miami Dolphins in the 1970s, emerging as a leader of the "No-Name Defense" that helped Miami to a victory in Super Bowl VII to complete the NFL's first and only undefeated season. Nick will be remembered as a champion on and off the field. Panthers' McCaffrey trending toward return Sun.

During the 1973 season when the Dolphins repeated as Super Bowl champions, Buoniconti set a then-team record by recording 162 tackles. "I don't do this for myself. He was an actor, known for Miller Lite: Tastes Great, Less Filling (1973), The NFL on CBS (1956) and NFL Monday Night Football (1970). Buoniconti finished his career with 32 interceptions, the third-most by a linebacker in NFL history. Buoniconti also worked on HBO's "Inside the NFL" for 23 seasons and spent time as an agent to over 30 professional athletes such as Andre Dawson and Bucky Dent. He was 78. Chris Mortensen details the life of Pro Football Hall of Famer Nick Buoniconti, from attaining his law degree to winning two Super Bowls. Doctors confirmed that Buoniconti had brain issues possibly related to his football career, but would not state publicly that he had CTE, as the diagnosis is not currently possible prior to death. © 2004-2020 CBS Interactive. Pro Football Hall of Fame linebacker Nick Buoniconti died at the age of 78. Pro Football Hall of Fame middle linebacker Nick Buoniconti, an undersized overachiever who helped lead the Miami Dolphins to the NFL's only perfect season, has died at the age of 78. Carolina Panthers coach Matt Rhule said he's considering kneeling alongside his players during the national anthem this season in support of the movement against racial injustice. My dad has been my hero and represents what I have always aspired to be; a leader, a mentor and a champion. He is a member of both the Patriots Hall of Fame and the Dolphins Honor Roll, and in 2001 was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame by the Senior Committee. Nick Buoniconti also had a successful post-football career in broadcasting and business. Pro Football Hall of Fame President and CEO David Baker offered his condolences over the passing. pic.twitter.com/xif4HjsDXr. AP “He worked so hard,” Terry says, “but I always felt it was to better our lives, our children’s lives. He was married to Lynn Weiss and Teresa Marie … "Nick will be remembered as a champion on and off the field. section: | slug: hall-of-fame-linebacker-nick-buoniconti-dies-at-78-led-dolphins-to-unbeaten-season | sport: football | route: article_single.us | We can best honor his dedication and endless commitment by continuing with our work until that promise is fulfilled and a cure is found,". Buoniconti is also a member of both the PatriotsHall of Fame and Dolphins Honor Roll. Covering the impact of coronavirus on the sports world. Key to Vikings' success: Keep ball out of Kirk Cousins' hands?

AKA Nicholas Anthony Buoniconti, Jr. NFL Hall of Famer. Will Chargers' Mike Williams put it all together after up-and-down start? New England Patriots legend and Hall of Fame linebacker Nick Buoniconti, ... Buoniconti, who was 78, is survived by his wife, Lynn, sons Marc and Nick, Jr., and daughter Gina. "The entire Hall of Fame family mourns Nick's passing and we will keep his wife Lynn and his entire family in our thoughts and prayers.". 6-keys: media/spln/nfl/reg/free/stories, at A six-time AFL All-Star and two-time Pro Bowler, Buoniconti was also named to the All-AFL Team eight different times, with five first-team and three second-team selections. pic.twitter.com/xif4HjsDXr. He made the AFL All-Star Game six times and had 24 career interceptions for the Patriots, including three in a single game in 1968. Frustrated by the slow pace of minority hiring in college and professional football, Maryland's Michael Locksley has created the National Coalition of Minority Football Coaches. Nick Buoniconti, an undersized linebacker who helped lead the Miami Dolphins to the only perfect season in NFL history, died Tuesday. Nick's contributions off the field were even greater than what he did on it.

Ahead of the 1969 season, Buoniconti was traded to Miami where he spent seven years and played under and alongside fellow Hall of Famers Don Shula, Bob Griese, Larry Csonka and Paul Warfield. Nick Buoniconti also had a successful post-football career in broadcasting and business. © 2020 NFL Enterprises LLC. The entire Hall of Fame family mourns Nick's passing and we will keep his wife Lynn and his entire family in our thoughts and prayers.". Join Facebook to connect with Gina Buoniconti and others you may know. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001. Gender: Male Race or Ethnicity: White Sexual orientation: Straight Occupation:. "Nick Buoniconti was a true hero of the game. Nick's contributions off the field were even greater than what he did on it. "Nick was special to me in every way. 12:25 pm ET, paralyzed from the shoulders down as a result of a football injury, Prisco's Picks: Patriots squeak by lowly Jets, NFL deals with ugly week of COVID-19: Here's the latest, Chiefs place best defensive player on COVID list, The NFL playoff proposal that fixes big problem, Why Fitzpatrick showed up wearing super short shorts. "I feel lost. Off the field, Buoniconti will be remembered for raising more than $450 million for research into the treatment of spinal cord and brain injuries. Buoniconti was open later in life about his struggles with dementia, and in 2017 he pledged to posthumously donate his brain to CTE research. Projected 2021 NFL draft order: Jets are favorite for No. It is highly recommended that you use the latest versions of a supported browser in order to receive an optimal viewing experience. "Today, with a heavy heart and profound sorrow, my family and the entire Miami Project to Cure Paralysis and Buoniconti Fund community mourn the loss of a man who was truly larger than life, my father, NFL Hall of Famer Nick Buoniconti," Marc Buoniconti said in a statement. Nick Buoniconti Enshrinement speech. We can best honor his dedication and endless commitment by continuing with our work until that promise is fulfilled and a cure is found. Buoniconti was taken in the 13th round by the Boston Patriots of the upstart AFL and played for them from 1962 to 1968. We just had to go where they told us to go and make the play.". He lived a life of honor and nobility and his legacy will live forever through his Bronzed Bust in Canton, Ohio. 1; could Cowboys pick in top five? He selflessly gave all to football, to his family and to those who are less fortunate. Mortensen: Buoniconti was extraordinary on and off the field (1:02), Hall of Fame LB Nick Buoniconti dies at 78, Lions' Griffen hurt by Zimmer's 'good' comment, Source: NFL probes mask use by 49ers' Bourne, Brees held back in practice for 2nd straight day, Chiefs move star DT Jones onto COVID-19 list. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Commissioner.com is a registered trademark of CBS Interactive Inc. site: media | arena: nfl | pageType: stories | Buoniconti and his son Marc, who was paralyzed from the shoulders down as a result of a football injury, also spearheaded the establishment of the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, one of the world's leading research and treatment centers for spinal cord injuries. He was someone I greatly admired," said Don Shula, Buoniconti's coach with the Dolphins. A native of Springfield, Massachusetts, Buoniconti played guard on offense and linebacker on defense for Notre Dame. All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. 2-ranked defense respects Lamar Jackson, can't 'fear him', Best, worst NFL quarterbacks at midseason: Wilson's poise under pressure, Herbert's deep ball, more, Biggest Week 9 injury questions for all 32 NFL teams: Matthew Stafford, Ezekiel Elliott, Joey Bosa and more, Wash, rinse and repeat: NFL players still swap jerseys, but it's different in 2020 amid COVID-19, Giants DB Ryan: Trainer helped save wife's life, Lions place QB Stafford on COVID-19 list again, Week 9 NFL Power Rankings: 1-32 poll, plus a ray of hope for every team, The Tagovailoa tour: Four days, three states, two wins and one unforgettable weekend. He was an eight-time Pro Bowler and won Super Bowl titles with the Dolphins in 1972, for a team that finished 17-0, and 1973. His inspiring Hall of Fame journey that started as a 13th round draft choice to leading the Dolphins 'No Name' defense is one filled with grit, determination, courage and compassion. Phil Krueger, who helped build a dominant defense as an assistant for 1967 national champion Southern California and later became part of the first coaching staff in Tampa Bay Buccaneers' history, has died. Jim Trotter reveals the details of the 49ers' decision to split $1 million in grants among nine organizations to further the movement for social justice. "All of us at the NFL are deeply saddened by the passing of Nick Buoniconti. (1:02). Pro Football Hall of Fame - Canton, Ohio ... Gina who shows her beauty through her heart and to my son Nick who was a terrific linebacker in his own right.