Mike “Captain Crunch” Kolen was a linebacker with the Miami Dolphins who won two Super Bowls with the team, including during their “perfect” 1972-73 season.
- Died: April 3, 2024 (Who else died on April 3?)
- Details of death: Died at the age of 76.
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Mike Kolen’s legacy
Alabama-born Kolen was a star athlete at Birmingham’s Berry High School before going to Auburn University, where he was once again a standout. He earned All-SEC honors his last two years, leading the team in tackles in 16 of the 25 games he started. He was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 1985. The Auburn Tigers have an annual award in his name for the player who leads the team in tackles.
Kolen was drafted by the Dolphins in 1970 and played eight seasons with the team before retiring due to injuries. He went to three straight Super Bowls with the team from 1971 to 1973, including winning two straight. Among them was the team’s legendary 1972-73 undefeated season: they were the only team in NFL history to have gone an entire season and post-season without a loss or tie. He retired after the 1977 season.
In 2016, he published “The Greatest Team: A Playbook for Champions,” which chronicles his experience with the 1972 team. In 2006, he was inducted into the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Hall of Champions. Kolen was a man of faith and was recognized for it throughout his career, including winning the National Christian Athlete of the year Award in 1969 and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes College Athlete of the Year Award in 1970.
Tributes to Mike Kolen
Full obituary: Sports Illustrated
