Even if you never watched him play, former Miami Dolphins linebacker Nick Buoniconti was a fixture in the NFL landscape.The Hall of Fame linebacker was a co-host of Inside the NFL from 1980 to 2001 with former Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Len Dawson.
Buoniconti won two Super Bowls with the Dolphins, including Super Bowl VII, the culmination of the only perfect season in league history. Miami finished 17-0.
I’m deeply saddened by the news of Nick’s passing. He was the consummate team captain, the heartbeat of our team. I’ll miss Nick, his wisdom and class. – Larry Csonka
Coach Shula and alumni on the passing of Buoniconti >> https://t.co/JPE3ArQdnP
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) July 31, 2019
“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,” Nick’s son Marc 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. He selflessly gave all to football, to his family and to those who are less fortunate. 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.”
Marc injured his spine while playing for the Citadel in 1985 and the elder Buoniconti spent the rest of his life as an advocate for the Miami Project to Cure Paralysis.
Buoniconti ended his career with 32 interceptions, the third highest total for a linebacker in NFL history. He was 78 years old.
Falcons first round pick has minor heart procedure
It’s not the first time Atlanta Falcons first round pick Kaleb McGary has needed a medical procedure on his heart, but hopefully it’s the last. McGary underwent a cardiac ablation Wednesday, this third such operation in his time playing football.
Falcons announced rookie OL Kaleb McGary will undergo a cardiac ablation procedure Wednesday. The minimally-invasive procedure is similar to two previous procedures McGary has undergone in his playing career and a potential recovery timetable is expected following the procedure.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 31, 2019
The minimally invasive procedure was performed at the May Clinic and there’s no word yet when he’ll be cleared to rejoin the team. Atlanta picked McGary at No. 31 overall out of Washington.
