When starting his professional football career, scouts doubted Manny Fernandez for his lack of size and talent to survive as a defensive lineman in the NFL. But eventually, the Miami Dolphins‘ legend finished his career as one of the most dominant yet underrated defenders in the league. That was evident during Super Bowl VII. Playing against the Washington Redskins, Fernandez recorded 17 tackles and 1 sack.

But he was snubbed for the Super Bowl MVP for teammate Jake Scott, especially after sportswriter Dick Schaap spent the night before the big game partying and showing up with a hangover. Schaap barely watched the game and looked at the stat sheet to find out Scott’s 2 interceptions, leading him to select Scott as the MVP. That decision sparked debate over whether Fernandez was denied proper recognition for dominant performance in the Super Bowl, after Miami’s perfect season.

And now, decades later, the Dolphins and the wider NFL community are mourning the loss of Fernandez following his passing. The franchise took to its social media account and released a statement, writing:

“We’re deeply saddened by the passing of Manny Fernandez, a member of the 1972 perfect team, a two-time Super Bowl champion, Ring of Honor member and an anchor of the Dolphins’ legendary No-Name Defense. His consistent and selfless contributions on the field were instrumental to the Dolphins’ success throughout the early 1970s, particularly in the team’s three consecutive Super Bowl appearances, in which he produced some of the most memorable defensive performances in the history of the game. Our thoughts are with his family, loved ones and teammates as we remember one of the best players in Dolphins history.”

The Dolphins legend passed away Sunday in Ellaville at the age of 79. As of now, the cause of death has not been publicly revealed.

Miami originally signed Fernandez as an undrafted free agent in 1968, and he spent his entire eight-year NFL career with the franchise. While the Dolphins struggled early in his tenure, the organization eventually became a dynasty after the arrival of head coach Don Shula.

And while the offense had QBs Bob Griese and Earl Morrall, RBs Larry Csonka and Mercury Morris, along with WR Paul Warfield, Fernandez remained a core piece of Miami’s No-Name Defense. Under Coach Shula’s guidance, Miami made three straight Super Bowls while winning in 1972 and 1973. In those instances, the Dolphins allowed the fewest points in the league.

And when Fernandez was snubbed with his Super Bowl MVP, teammate Nick Buoniconti openly expressed frustration over the decision.

“It was the game of his life–in fact, it was the most dominant game by a defensive lineman in the history of the game, and he would never be given much credit for it,” he wrote. “They should have given out two game balls and made Manny Fernandez the co-MVP with Jake Scott. He beat their center Len Hauss like a drum.”

Throughout his NFL career, Fernandez remained an underrated player. At the same time, however, he retired with several major accomplishments. We’re talking about a pair of Super Bowl titles, 2x second-team All-Pro selections, a place in the Dolphins Ring of Honor, and recognition in the franchise’s Walk of Fame.

Across eight NFL seasons, the Dolphins legend recorded 35 sacks and six fumble recoveries. And once news of his passing became public, tributes quickly poured in from across the NFL world for one of Miami’s all-time defensive greats.

The NFL Community paid tributes to Manny Fernandez

As news of Manny Fernandez’s passing spread across social media, fans quickly flooded the comments section with emotional tributes for the Dolphins legend. One fan wrote, “RIP Manny! Truely on of the best to ever play the game!” while another added, “☹️☹️Such an underated player.”

Others remembered Fernandez not just for his dominance on the field, but also for the lasting legacy he left behind with Miami’s historic No-Name Defense. “Noooooo loved Manny Fernandez!! My condolences to his family and I hope he’s at peace 🙏,” one emotional supporter commented shortly after the Dolphins officially announced the news of his passing.

The tributes continued pouring in throughout the day as longtime fans reflected on Fernandez’s impact during Miami’s dynasty years under Coach Shula. “RIP Manny Fernandez. Gone, but will never be forgotten,” another fan wrote while remembering the defensive lineman’s role in building the Dolphins’ dynasty.

Another supporter summed up the emotions surrounding Fernandez’s passing by writing, “Rest in peace, Manny Fernandez. A true legend whose impact on the game will never be forgotten. Sending prayers and condolences to his family, friends, and fans.” And that sentiment perfectly captured how much Fernandez still meant to generations of Dolphins supporters decades after his playing career ended.