Larry Csonka
Inducted:
1987

Player Stats
6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
237 lb (108 kg)
Born:
December 25, 1946
Stow, Ohio, U.S.
Position:
Fullback
College:
Syracuse (1965–1967)
Larry Csonka was the powerful fullback who anchored the Miami Dolphins’ legendary backfield in the early 1970s. His punishing style and physical toughness made him a nightmare for defenses. Drafted in 1968, Csonka became a key force in the Dolphins’ consecutive Super Bowl runs, including the 1972 undefeated season.
He rushed for over 1,000 yards in three straight seasons and was named NFL MVP of Super Bowl VIII after a dominant performance. Later, he joined the New York Giants and Memphis Southmen before returning to Miami to capture another Super Bowl.
Known for his punishing style between the tackles and clutch postseason performances, Csonka was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987. His legacy is defined by grit, consistency, and an unmatched impact on championship teams.
Csonka's Awards and Honors
- 2× Super Bowl champion (VII, VIII)
- Super Bowl MVP (VIII)
- NFL Comeback Player of the Year (1979)
- 2× First-team All-Pro (1971, 1973)
- Second-team All-Pro (1972)
- 5× Pro Bowl (1970–1974)
- Unanimous All-American (1967)
- First-team All-American (1966)
- 2× First-team All-East (1966, 1967)
- Second-team All-East (1965)
- Syracuse Orange No. 39 retired
NFL Records
- First running back to be named Super Bowl MVP
- One of the few fullbacks in NFL history with multiple 1,000-yard seasons
- First player in Dolphins history to rush for over 1,000 yards in a season
- Ranks Top 5 all-time in Dolphins franchise history in: Rushing Yards (8,081) & Rushing TDs (64)
- One of only 2 fullbacks named to the NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
NFL Teams
Miami Dolphins (1968–1974)
Memphis Southmen (1975)
New York Giants (1976–1978)
Miami Dolphins (1979)
NFL Draft:
1968: 1st round, 8th pick
Miami Dolphins
Number Worn:
39
NFL Stats
Seasons:
10
Games Played:
142
Rushing Yards:
8,081
Rushing Touchdowns:
64
Yards per Carry:
4.3
Receptions:
206 for 1,641 yards
Receiving yards:
820
Receiving Touchdowns:
10
1,000+ Rushing Yard Seasons:
3 (1971–1973)
Pro Bowls:
3 (1971–1973)
Super Bowl Titles:
2
