The 1972 Miami Dolphins stand alone in NFL history for another year. There are no more undefeated teams in 2026 following the Minnesota Vikings' 19-15 loss to the Detroit Lions on Sunday afternoon, which means it is party time for the living members of that iconic Fins squad. Larry Csonka broke out the good stuff and paid homage to the only perfect campaign the sport has ever known. He also gave a big thank you to those who kept this achievement intact.
“CONGRATS to the Detroit Lions, on the Win and a game well played today,” the Hall of Fame fullback posted on X. “CHEERS to all my ‘72 undefeated teammates and Miami Dolphins fans on our now 54 year record! Cheers!”
Csonka spent eight years with the Miami Dolphins, arriving via the 1968 NFL Draft and retiring with the team after the 1979 season (also played three seasons for the New York Giants). He is the franchise's all-time leader in rushing yards (6,737) and rushing touchdowns (53). The Ohio native claimed the Super Bowl 8 MVP award after running for 145 yards and two touchdowns versus the Minnesota Vikings, but he was also a massive difference-maker in the immortalized 1972 campaign.
Csonka totaled 213 carries for 1,117 yards and six TDs in 14 regular season games and added another 212 rushing yards in three playoff matchups. With offense coming at a premium in the Dolphins' Super Bowl 7 showdown with the then-Washington Redskins, the 112 yards he accumulated on the ground were crucial. Of course, No. 39 was one of many players who helped secure the 17-0 record for Miami.
All-time great head coach Don Shula led a hard-nosed group that also included running back Mercury Morris, safety Dick Anderson, linebacker Nick Buoniconti, wide receiver Paul Warfield, quarterbacks Earl Morrall and Bob Griese, defensive end Bill Stanfill and Super Bowl MVP-winning safety Jake Scott, among others.
Larry Csonka and the rest of these Dolphins still lay claim to one of sports' most treasured feats, and even if a team does overtake them in the future, they should forever occupy an important chapter in the Book of the NFL.