Nick Buoniconti
Inducted:
2001
Player Stats
5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
220 lb (100 kg)
Born:
December 15, 1940
Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S.
Died:
July 30, 2019
Bridgehampton, New York, U.S.
Position:
Linebacker
College:
Notre Dame
Nick Buoniconti was the heart of two dominant defenses—first with the Boston Patriots and later with the Miami Dolphins’ legendary "No-Name Defense." Despite being considered undersized for a linebacker at just 5'11", Buoniconti used intelligence, toughness, and elite instincts to become one of the game’s premier defenders.
He played 14 seasons, making five AFL All-Star teams and earning two Pro Bowl nods in the NFL. With the Dolphins, he was a key leader during their perfect 1972 season and back-to-back Super Bowl championships. Known for his fierce tackling and leadership on and off the field, Buoniconti finished his career with 32 interceptions—a high mark for a linebacker.
He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2001 and later became a noted advocate for spinal cord research following his son’s injury, founding The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis.
Buoniconti's Awards and Honors
- Boston Patriots All-1960s Team
- New England Patriots 35th Anniversary Team
- New England Patriots 50th Anniversary Team
- New England Patriots Hall of Fame
- Miami Dolphins Honor Roll
- Dolphins Walk of Fame (2011)
- Second-team All-American (1961)
- 2× Super Bowl champion (VII, VIII)
- 2× Second-Team All-Pro (1972, 1973)
- 2× Pro Bowl (1972, 1973)
- 5× First-Team All-AFL (1964–1967, 1969)
- 3× Second-Team All-AFL (1962, 1963, 1968)
- 6× AFL All-Star (1963–1967, 1969)
- AFL All-Time Team
NFL/AFL Teams
Boston Patriots (1962–1968)
Miami Dolphins (1969–1974, 1976)
AFL draft:
1962: 13th round, 102nd pick
Boston Patriots
Numbers Worn:
86
NFL Stats:
Seasons Played:
14 (1962–1976)
Games Played:
183
Interceptions:
32
Fumble Recoveries:
17
Super Bowl Titles:
2 (VII, VIII)