Stay hard, Nick Buoniconti

[C-Man 27,400]

My first exposure to Nick was on the NFL show on HBO. That was can't-miss TV for me in the 80's. Dude did some good in his time on this planet.

RIP, Nick.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/27295060/hall-fame-lb-nick-buoniconti-dead-78

Quote

Pro Football Hall of Famer 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. "My dad has been my hero and represents what I have always aspired to be: a leader, a mentor and a champion.

Family spokesman Bruce Bobbins said Buoniconti died Tuesday in Bridgehampton, New York. A cause of death wasn't immediately known.

A native of Springfield, Massachusetts, Nick Buoniconti played guard on offense and linebacker on defense for Notre Dame. But at 5-11 and 220 pounds, he was small for an NFL linebacker.

Buoniconti was taken in the 13th round by the Boston Patriots of the upstart AFL and played for them from 1962 to 1968. He made the AFL All-Star Game six times and had 24 career interceptions for the Patriots, including three in a single game in 1968.

Miami Dolphins

 

✔@MiamiDolphins

 

 

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Nick Buoniconti.

 

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10:12 AM - Jul 31, 2019

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Buoniconti played for the Miami Dolphins from 1969 to 1974 and in 1976. He was the leader of Miami's famed "No-Name Defense'' and in 1973 he set a team record with 162 tackles.

He was an eight-time Pro Bowler and won Super Bowl titles in 1972 and 1973 with the Dolphins and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2001.

He said in November 2017 that he would donate his brain for CTE research. He revealed in May of that year that he was suffering from memory loss, could not use his left hand and struggled to put on a shirt, among other ailments.

After his son Marc was paralyzed at age 19 while playing football, Nick Buoniconti was a driving force behind the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis, raising hundreds of millions of dollars for research. Nick and Marc were on a Wheaties box in 1997 as part of the Miami Project.

"He selflessly gave all to football, to his family and to those who are less fortunate," Marc Buoniconti said in his statement. "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,"

Nick Buoniconti also had a successful post-football career in broadcasting and business.

Following retirement, Buoniconti worked as an attorney, as president of U.S. Tobacco and as an agent to such athletes as Bucky Dent and Andre Dawson. In recent years he struggled with symptoms of CTE, a degenerative brain disease associated with repeated blows to the head.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

 

[South Austin 52,756]

I loved Inside the NFL with Nick and Len Dawson (and even when smug-faced Chris Collinsworth joined). It was required viewing before the age of the internet.

His passing is sad, but it seems like a graceful ending to a painful existence for him these last several years.

[Underdog 28,884]

RIP.  Cornerstone of that no-name defense. 

[Hate 20,166]

I too grew up with the Inside the NFL being required viewing. He was terrific on that show. The work he did for paralysis research makes him an all time great person regardless of what he did on the field. RIP to a sports icon of my youth.

[closetojumping 63,514]

I loved watching Inside the NFL as a kid whenever we were able to have cable and HBO. First thing I'd get pumped about when we'd get cable back on after not having it was getting to watch Inside the NFL, whenever it was going to be back on again. My dad would let me stay up late to watch it. I thought NB and Dawson, along with the voice, who I think was Harry Kalas, and the music, were fucking TV perfection as a little kid. Man. Sad to see this one happen, but it brings back good memories.

[Butch Had Not 3,020]

Vance Johnson's junk for everyone to see was epic TV. Don't know how that was missed. 

[Macanudo 13,101]

Fewer and fewer '72 Dolphins for Mercury Morris to pour one of out with each season when the last undefeated NFL team goes down. 

[South Austin 52,756]

4 minutes ago, Macanudo said:

Fewer and fewer '72 Dolphins for Mercury Morris to pour one of out with each season when the last undefeated NFL team goes down. 

It wouldn't surprise me if they're all dead by the time another NFL team goes undefeated through the Super Bowl.

[n64ra 1,119]

RIP, Buoniconti. '72 was a magical season. Go Fins!

[SwanderedTalent 5,761]

Mercury Morris is one step closer to the Hellfish Bonanza

[markstanco 12,682]

It wouldn't surprise me if they're all dead by the time another NFL team goes undefeated through the Super Bowl.

Probably. Cowboys this year have the best chance though.

[SHOOTER12 8,857]

Damn.  If there was anyone who was considered undersized etc.  It was Nick. Sometimes we forget how much desire, dedication, and love of the game matter.

God Bless you and your family Mr Buoniconti and thanks for the memories.

[RPM 26,432]

Hated the Dolphins, but had to respect their achievements. Nick was great on Inside the NFL. RIP.

[mulletpelini 5,216]

Manny Fernandez, Jake Scott, Larry Little, Jim Kiick, Csonka, Griese, Warfield......Buoniconti all names from my youth.  RIP NB, you were good.

[Fastbreak 3,999]

14 hours ago, markstanco said:

15 hours ago, South Austin said:

It wouldn't surprise me if they're all dead by the time another NFL team goes undefeated through the Super Bowl.

Probably. Cowboys this year have the best chance though.

SHOW ME A LOSS!