Mike Kolen, LB on Dolphins' undefeated team, dies at 76

Field Level Media|published: Thu 4th April, 14:28 2024

Nov 5, 2023; Frankfurt, Germany; The NFL shield logo at midfield during an NFL International Series game at Deutsche Bank Park. credits: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Kolen, a linebacker on three Miami Dolphins Super Bowl teams, died Wednesday at 76.

His death was announced by the football program at Auburn, where he played from 1967-69 and was twice an All-Southeastern Conference selection. No cause of death was given.

The Dolphins selected Kolen in the 12th round of the 1970 NFL Draft, and he went on to appear in 84 games (78 starts) for Miami over seven seasons.

He was part of the Dolphins dynasty of the early 1970s, when Don Shula led the team to three consecutive Super Bowl games. The Dolphins lost Super Bowl VI, then followed with two wins.

Kolen started 13 games in the 1972 season, with the Dolphins culminating their 17-0 season with a 14-7 win over Washington in Super Bowl VII.

Auburn annually gives the Mike Kolen Award to the team's leading tackler.

—Field Level Media