Former Dolphins defensive lineman Bob Heinz, a member of the ‘72 team, dies at 79

Bob Heinz, a stout run defender on the “No Name Defense” that helped fuel the Dolphins’ undefeated season, died of natural causes on Saturday in Fresno, Cal., his son John said Tuesday. Heinz, who was diagnosed with heart failure four years ago, was 79.

Wearing No. 72, Heinz started eight games and appeared in 11 during that 1972 perfect season, playing right defensive tackle on a distinguished defensive line that also featured defensive tackle Manny Fernandez and defensive ends Vern Den Herder and Bill Stanfill.

The NFL did not keep tackle statistics at that time, but Heinz was credited with two sacks and a fumble recovery during that 17-0 season and was a key part of a defense that ranked first in yards and points allowed and third in rushing yards permitted.

Born in Milwaukee, Heinz moved with his family to California as a teenager and played at the University of the Pacific, where he met Carol Covington, his wife of 56 years.

The Dolphins selected Heinz in the second round, 37th overall, in the 1969 NFL/AFL draft, and he played in all 14 games, with one start as a rookie.

Heinz, who was listed at 6-6 and 265 pounds during his career, played eight seasons in Miami, appearing in 109 games and starting 55. He started every game of the 1973 season and all but one game in 1974 before missing the 1975 season because of an injury.

Heinz won two Super Bowls in Miami, in the 1972 and 1973 seasons. He sold his 1973 Super Bowl ring to a private investor in 2015, and the ring sold for $68,040 months later at an auction in Rosemont, Illinois.

The Dolphins ring was believed to be the first player ring from either the 1972 or ’73 championship teams offered publicly for sale.

Heinz played his ninth and final season in Washington, where he appeared in two games as a reserve. He finished his career with nine sacks.

After his NFL career ended, Heinz worked for many years as an advertising executive in Palo Alto and Menlo Park, California, where he and Carol raised their three children. He later relocated to Fresno.

“Family was Bob’s greatest source of pride and happiness,” his family wrote in an obituary posted on legacy.com. “He will be remembered for his friendship, his sense of humor, and his deep love for those closest to him.

“He enjoyed a good cigar and bourbon, the music of Jimmy Buffett, cheering on the San Francisco Giants, and rooting against any NFL team attempting perfection.”

Heinz is survived by his wife, Carol; his children, Julie, Joe, and John; and two grandchildren.

“What I loved most about my dad was just his loving good nature,” John Heinz said in an e-mail. “He was a giant of a person and looked every bit the part of the ‘big tough football player,’ which he of course was. But he was an overwhelmingly kind and caring person - a trait I’ve definitely sought to emulate in my life.”

A private family service is planned. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, “donations may be made in Bob’s memory to the Miami Dolphins Foundation.”

Heinz is the 22nd player to pass away from that ‘72 Dolphins team. That iconic team was in the headlines on Sunday when the Minnesota Vikings lost to Detroit and became the final team to lose a game this season.

“CONGRATS to the #DetroitLions on the Win and a game well played today,” former Dolphins star and ‘72 alum Larry Csonka posted on X after the game, with a photo of himself holding a cigar and a glass of wine. “CHEERS to all my ‘72 undefeated teammates and #MiamiDolphin fans on our now 54 year record! Cheers!”

This story was originally published November 3, 2026 at 2:12 PM.