Larry Csonka

Larry Csonka established himself as one of the most punishing runners in NFL history powering the Miami Dolphins to backtoback Super Bowl championships and remaining the franchises alltime leading rusher Born on December 25 1946 in Stow Ohio Csonka attended Stow High School where he became a running back by accident when he was substituted on the kickoff return team as a defensive end After running over two tacklers he discovered his calling I got a tremendous feeling carrying the ball I loved it At Syracuse University 19651967 he rushed for a schoolrecord 2934 yards breaking marks held by Jim Brown Ernie Davis and Floyd Little while earning unanimous AllAmerican honors in 1967 Drafted eighth overall by Miami in 1968 Csonka overcame his early career concussions to become the cornerstone of Don Shulas ballcontrol offense Over eleven NFL seasons he accumulated 8081 rushing yards and 64 touchdowns earning five Pro Bowl selections 19701974 and three firstteam AllPro honors 19711973 He remains Miamis alltime leading rusher with 6737 yards and 53 touchdowns with his number 39 retired in 2002 Csonkas playing strengths defined batteringram football a massive 6foot3 235pound frame among the eras biggest backs choosing to run through defenders rather than around them exceptional ball security fumbling only 21 times in 1891 career carries powerful legs dragging tacklers 510 yards after contact legendary toughness breaking his nose ten times while playing with blood pouring from it His greatest moments showcased dominance and durability his Super Bowl VIII MVP performance rushing 33 times for a thenrecord 145 yards and two touchdowns against Minnesota earning the Professional Football Writers Association Super Athlete of the Year in Super Bowl VII rushing for 112 yards including a memorable 49yard run where he turned toward Washington cornerback Pat Fischer to deliver a punishing forearm rather than avoid him the historic 1972 perfect 170 season rushing for 1117 yards while combining with Mercury Morris to form the NFLs first 1000yard rushing duo After a brief WFL stint with the Memphis Southmen in 1975 Csonka played three seasons with the New York Giants 19761978 before returning to Miami in 1979 rushing for a careerhigh 12 touchdowns and winning the NFL Comeback Player of the Year Following his retirement he became a motivational speaker hosted hunting and fishing shows for NBC Sports Network and served as an analyst for American Gladiators 19901993 Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1989 Csonka lives in Alaska where he hosted North to Alaska from 1998 to 2013 He published his memoir Head On in 2022