Former Miami Dolphins defensive tackle Bob Heinz, a starter on the undefeated 1972 team and a two-time Super Bowl champion, has died at 79.
Heinz’s son, John, confirmed his death Tuesday. Heinz played for Miami from 1969 through 1977, spending nine seasons with the franchise.
His obituary, published Tuesday, said he died Saturday, Oct. 31, in Fresno, Calif. It did not disclose a cause of death.
Bob Heinz helped Dolphins build their championship defense
Heinz wore No. 72 as part of Miami’s “No-Name Defense,” winning Super Bowls VII and VIII. Under Don Shula, the 1972 Dolphins finished 17-0, completing their perfect season with a victory over Washington.
The Dolphins’ historical account of that season shows how much the defense contributed. Miami led the NFL in both total defense and scoring defense, while its offense also ranked first in total offense and scoring offense.
Heinz shared the defensive line with players including Manny Fernandez, Bill Stanfill and Vern Den Herder.
Behind them, the linebacker group included Nick Buoniconti and Mike Kolen, another member of the championship teams whose death Dolphin Nation covered in April 2024.
Before reaching Miami, Heinz competed in football and track at the University of the Pacific.
The school’s Hall of Fame biography credits him with lettering in both sports from 1966 through 1969 and serving as track team captain as a senior. Pacific inducted him into its Hall of Fame in 1988.
Heinz’s family requests donations to Dolphins Foundation
According to his obituary, Heinz met his wife, Carol, at Pacific. They married in 1970 and raised three children in Menlo Park, Calif., before eventually moving to Fresno to be closer to family.
The family’s remembrance described his interests beyond football, including Jimmy Buffett’s music and the San Francisco Giants. His attachment to the perfect season also endured: He enjoyed watching other NFL teams fall short of an unbeaten year.
Heinz is survived by Carol, their children Julie, Joe and John, and two grandchildren, among other relatives. A private family service is planned, with the family requesting donations in his memory to the Miami Dolphins Foundation instead of flowers.
