Don Shula, the winningest head coach in National Football League history and a Miami Dolphins legend has died. He was 90 years old. The Dolphins confirmed Shula’s passing with a statement on Twitter.
The Miami Dolphins are saddened to announce that Head Coach Don Shula passed away peacefully at his home this morning. pic.twitter.com/MKAtXFA4zd
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) May 4, 2020
Don Shula was born in Grand River, Ohio in 1930. His love for football grew at a very young age. His parents did not want him to play football due to the risk of injuries. He ended up forging his parents’ signatures on a permission slip to play in high school.
Shula played 73 games over seven seasons in the NFL as a defensive back, finishing his career with 21 interceptions.
The Pro Football Hall of Famer first came to South Florida in 1970, when Miami Dolphins owner Joe Robbie signed Shula to become the team’s second head coach in its fifth year of existence.
Shula led the Miami Dolphins to five Super Bowl appearances and winning back to back titles in 1972 and 1973.
In that ’72 season, Shula and the Dolphins became the only NFL team to complete a perfect season, finishing the year 17-0. They remain the only team to complete an NFL season and win a Super Bowl without suffering a loss.
Shula retired in 1995 having coached more games than anyone in NFL history.
He remains the all-time leader in wins with 347. Shula was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1997. Rest in Peace to the legend!
