1972 Miami Dolphins Perfect Season

1972 Miami Dolphins Perfect Season

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Name: Vern Den Herder
Position: Defensive End
Number: 83
Height/Weight: 6-6, 252
College: Central College (IA)
Drafted: 1971 ninth round, by Miami
Hometown: Sioux Center, IA
Born: 11/28/48

Career: A durable and dependable lineman during his ten-year career for the Dolphins, Den Herder served as defensive co-captain from 1975 through 1980. "He's the finest defensive end I've ever had play for me," said Coach Don Shula. He tallied 908 tackles (including playoffs), 13 fumble recoveries, and 67 quarterback sacks (including playoffs) in his career. The left defensive end started in 143 of the 159 games he played in as a Dolphin, ranking sixth and ninth all-time in club history respectively, and his 95 consecutive games played, and 81 consecutive games started tie him for ninth all-time in both categories. Den Herder also ranks third all-time with 64 sacks in his career. His 14 fumble recoveries ranks third all-time and his five sacks against Buffalo (10/21/73) ties him with Bill Stanfill, who had set the team record two games earlier against the New York Jets (10/7/73). He was named All-AFC by the Associated Press in 1972 after posting 10.5 sacks during the perfect season. His only touchdown came in a victory vs. Baltimore (10/29/78) on a fake field-goal when he grabbed a seven-yard pass from holder Don Strock.

 


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