1972 Miami Dolphins Perfect Season

1972 Miami Dolphins Perfect Season

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Name: Larry Csonka
Position: Fullback
Number: 39
Height/Weight: 6-3, 237
College: Syracuse
Drafted: 1968 first round (a), by Miami
Hometown: Stow, OH
Born: 12/25/46

Career: Larry Csonka ranks as the Dolphins' all-time leading rusher with 1,506 carries for 6,737 yards (4.5 average) and 53 TDs. A five-time Pro Bowl selection, he put together three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons (1971-73) as Miami advanced to the Super Bowl each year. Csonka shined in those three Super Bowls, averaging 6.3 yards a carry and going over 100 yards rushing in two of them. Originally drafted in the first round out of Syracuse in 1968, he was named the MVP of Super Bowl Vlll after carrying 33 times for 145 yards and two touchdowns as the Dolphins steamrolled the Minnesota Vikings, 24-7, for their second straight NFL title. Called a "modern-day Bronko Nagurski" by Dolphin coach Don Shula, "Zonk" also played three seasons with the N.Y. Giants (1976-78) and one year with the Memphis Southmen of the World Football League (1975). His career rushing totals in the NFL, which place him 25th on the league's all-time rushing list, are: 1,891 carries for 8,081 yards (4.3 average) and 64 TDs. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in his second year of eligibility. In 1990, he also was voted the fullback on the Dolphins' Silver Anniversary all-time team and was named as a running back on the Super Bowl Silver Anniversary all-time team. On November 19, 1990, he was enshrined on the Dolphin Honor Roll at Pro Player Stadium. Csonka was honored during the 2002 season when his number 39 was retired by the team during halftime ceremonies on December 9, 2002, becoming the third Dolphin to have his number retired.

 


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