Pro Football Hall of Famer and Miami Dolphins’ legendary linebacker Nick Buoniconti has died at the age of 78, according to his son, Marc.
“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 (h/t ESPN). “My dad has been my hero and represents what I have always aspired to be; a leader, a mentor and a champion.
Buoniconti was an eight-time Pro Bowler over 14 NFL seasons in the NFL, playing for the Boston Patriots and the Miami Dolphins, winning Super Bowl Championships in 1972 and 1973 while with the Dolphins.
Buoniconti was inducted in the Hall of Fame in 2001.
“He selflessly gave all to football, to his family and to those who are less fortunate,” Marc Buoniconti said. “He made a promise to me that turned into a revolution in paralysis research. We can best honor his dedication and endless commitment by continuing with our work until that promise is fulfilled and a cure is found,”