Don Shula Passes Away at Age 90
Don Shula was a household name and will continue to be that way forever. He passed away Monday morning at the age of 90. The Miami Dolphins statement said that Shula passed away “peacefully at his home.”
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
Shula will forever be remembered as the NFL’s winningest coach and leading the Miami Dolphins for 25 years. His time in Miami will be in conversation by sports fans for eternity. He brought 2 Super Bowl titles to Florida, including one that concluded the only perfect season in NFL’s history. Shula holds the record for most regular-season wins with 328 W’s under his belt, 347 wins including playoffs. Only two other coaches have over total 300 wins.
Shula’s Playing and Coaching Career
Don Shula was Coach of the Year four times throughout his career. Sports Illustrated named Shula 1993’s Sportsman of the Year for holding the NFL record for most wins.
Shula played in the league from 1951-1957, spending time in Cleveland, Baltimore as a Colt, and Washington. During Shula’s playing days, he intercepted opponents 21 times in his 73 career games.
We want to send all of our thoughts and prayers to Shula’s wife Mary Anne and his children, Dave, Donna, Sharon, Anne, and Mike.
Roger Goddell’s Statement
Commissioner Roger Goodell issued this statement following the news of Don Shula’s passing:
“Don Shula will always be remembered as one of the greatest coaches and contributors in the history of our game. He made an extraordinarily positive impact on so many lives. The winningest coach in NFL history and the only one to lead a team to a perfect season, Coach Shula lived an unparalleled football life. As a player, Hall of Fame coach, and long-time member and co-chair of the NFL Competition Committee, he was a remarkable teacher and mentor who for decades inspired excellence and exemplified integrity. His iconic legacy will endure through his family and continue to inspire generations to come. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to Don’s wife Mary Anne along to his children Dave, Donna, Sharon and Mike, the Shula family, and the Dolphins organization.”
Reactions from Around the League:
Rest in peace, Don Shula.
Winningest head coach of all-time (347 total wins)
2x Super Bowl Champion
Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 1997
Only coach to lead a team to a perfect season pic.twitter.com/4V6YRtyVfx— NFL (@NFL) May 4, 2020
⭐️ Most wins in NFL history (347)
⭐️ 2x Super Bowl Champion
⭐️ 4x Coach of the Year
⭐️ Coached the NFL's only perfect seasonDon Shula's legacy will live forever. Rest in Peace, Coach. pic.twitter.com/4vUu0oimXU
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) May 4, 2020
R.I.P. to the goat Don Shula🙏🏾
— DeVante Parker (@DeVanteParker11) May 4, 2020
Even though I never personally met Coach Shula that quote was on the wall above the doors before you walked out of the facility in Miami. Through the best and worse days it reminded me to never settle for less than my best. Thanks coach
— Kenyan Drake™ (@KDx32) May 4, 2020
Statement from #Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick on the passing of Don Shula: https://t.co/Qx6SzsGbsw pic.twitter.com/KSARlkda4Y
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) May 4, 2020
-Jess Donahue (@jldx392)