Back in 2005, Channing Crowder got drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the third round, walking the same path his dad, Randy Crowder, carved decades earlier. And no, it’s not just a “like father, like son” moment because both played in the league. This was different. Channing and Randy remain the only father-son duo ever drafted by the Dolphins. That’s a full-circle story that writes itself. Wild, right?

Randy’s journey with Miami started in the 1974 draft—not a flashy entrance, but he didn’t need the spotlight to make noise. By his second season, Dolphins legend Don Shula was calling him “maybe the quickest tackle in the league.” Ninety-five tackles in just 11 games will do that. He spent one more year in Miami before heading to Tampa Bay, where he wrapped up his playing days after three solid seasons.

But that wasn’t the end of his football career. Right after hanging up his cleats, Randy joined Joe Paterno’s staff at Penn State as a defensive line coach. The Dolphins legend poured into young players the same way he once fought at Penn State—quietly, consistently. After a couple of years, he decided to move away from the field and ventured into private business.

And then, just a few days ago, the kind of news that stops you cold arrived. The Dolphins announced on May 21 that Randy Crowder had passed away at 72. A few days after his dad’s death, Channing Crowder took to his Instagram and penned an emotional message for him. “Still trying to find the words… Last week, I said goodbye to my father. A man who wore many titles: teammate, leader, mentor, husband, and Dad,” he wrote.

“He was a fighter, both on the field and in life. And he fought until the end. Health complications may have taken his body, but it can never touch the impact he made to so many. Everything I know about discipline, heart, and resilience — I learned from him. His legacy isn’t just in the game, but in the man he raised. I’ll carry your name with pride, and I promise that I will make you proud. Heaven got a good one. Love you forever, old man. Keep laughing !!!”

Randy was a part of the Dolphins for three years from 1974 to 1976, where he had 39 games and recorded 12.5 sacks. However, his career came to a halt when he was sent to prison back in ’77. He, along with his Dolphins teammate Don Reese, was accused of selling c—caine to an undercover policeman. But did he give up on his NFL career? Nope.

He got another chance after serving one year in prison. Randy signed a deal with the Bucs in ’79, played in sixteen games, and helped the team to reach the playoffs for the first time in franchise history. After suffering a knee injury in 1980 while playing for the Bucs, Randy struggled to make a comeback and eventually hung up his cleats.

And now, as the Dolphins legend is resting in peace, the NFL community is mourning the loss of a player, teammate, mentor, husband, and a proud dad.

The NFL community paid tribute to Channing Crowder’s dad

When Channing Crowder poured his heart out to pay tribute to his dad, it felt like the whole NFL felt that tragic loss. Fans started sliding through his comment section to pay their respect to the Dolphins legend, who, despite having a controversial career, stood out as a standout defensive player. One fan wrote, “RIP Mr. Randy Crowder. Condolences to Mr. Channing Crowder.” Simple, sure, but heartfelt.

Others went deeper as one of ’em chimed in and wrote, “Sending Prayers out to @OfficialCrowder aka “Channing Crowder” & his whole family after the passing of Channing’s Father Randy Crowder 🙏🙏. Much Love King!” That’s not just respect for a player who spent a few seasons in the NFL. In fact, it’s more of a love for a dad who was a great player and a mentor.

Another one added, “RIP Randy Crowder sorry for the loss of your father Channing. Praying for your family’s peace 🙏🏾🙏🏾🐬.” And right there, you can feel could feel that Dolphins pride tucked into the condolences. A short stint, no doubt. But that was enough for him to make his presence felt. And he did exactly the same.

One listener added, ” @OfficialCrowder, my condolences & prayers go out to you & your family. Thru you all listeners of the Hoch & Crowder show got to ‘know’ Big Randy. He will be missed. 🙏🏻❤️👊🏻💯.” That summarised it all. Randy wasn’t just Channing’s dad. In fact, he became a character in the world that Channing built. People loved Big Randy, and they laughed with him.

And then there’s one that sticks with you. “As Big Randy would say, ‘you gotta get the Haas avocados Chan’. R.I.P. Randy Crowder 🙏🏻.” That’s not just a quote, it’s a piece of someone’s life. The person just gave a nod that Randy wasn’t some distant, retired football figure. He was someone who made people laugh, made them feel like they knew him.