There is a new member on the sidelines of heaven with the news of the death of legendary NFL coach Don Shula.
The two-time Super Bowl champion passed away at his home Monday (May 4) at the age of 90, with the sad news later confirmed in a statement issued by the Miami Dolphins football team.
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“Don Shula was the patriarch of the Miami Dolphins for 50 years,” the team said in a statement posted on Twitter. “He brought the winning edge to our franchise and put the Dolphins and the city of Miami in the national sports scene. Our deepest thoughts and prayers go out to Mary Anne along with his children Dave, Donna, Sharon, Anne and Mike.”
The Miami Dolphins are saddened to announce that Head Coach Don Shula passed away peacefully at his home this morning. pic.twitter.com/MKAtXFA4zd
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) May 4, 2020
It can not go understated how prominent Shula was in the history of the NFL. In fact, Shula won more games than any other coach in NFL history. But before he was even a coach, he was a player playing a defensive back for teams such as Baltimore Colts, Cleveland Browns and Washington Redskins.
Yet, in so many tributes following his death, many couldn’t help but speak of not just his professional accolades, but who he was truly as a man.
“We will remember the great feats, like the only perfect season in NFL history, but also the qualities – hard work, character, decency – that made Don Shula not just a great coach, but also a great man,” said Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in a tweet on Monday (May 4.)
We will remember the great feats, like the only perfect season in NFL history, but also the qualities – hard work, character, decency – that made Don Shula not just a great coach, but also a great man.
— Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) May 4, 2020
We send our condolences to all those who mourn Shula’s death.
