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Mike Kolen, the former Miami Dolphins linebacker renowned for his tenacity and leadership, passed away Wednesday at 76. Drafted in the 12th round in 1970 from Auburn, Kolen quickly made a name for himself, earning the nickname “Captain Crunch” for his hard-hitting style. He was a pivotal part of the Dolphins’ legendary defense during their Super Bowl years, particularly the historic 1972 season when the team became the first in NFL history to finish the regular season and playoffs without a loss or tie.
Kolen started 14 games as a rookie and went on to play eight seasons with the Dolphins, recording 84 games with 78 starts. His contributions included five career interceptions, two of which came in playoff games—one against the Baltimore Colts in the 1971 AFC Championship and another in the 1972 AFC Championship against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite battling injuries later in his career, Kolen remained dedicated to the Dolphins, retiring after the 1977 season.
Beyond his on-field achievements, Kolen was honored in 1985 with induction into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, and the Mike Kolen Award is presented annually to Auburn’s leading tackler. He was also the inaugural recipient of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes College Athlete of the Year Award in 1970, reflecting his commitment to sportsmanship and community service, culminating in his induction into the FCA Hall of Champions in 2006.
Kolen was part of a remarkable 1970 draft class for the Dolphins, which also included stars like Jake Scott and Tim Foley, contributing significantly to the team’s success. His legacy as a key player on one of the NFL’s greatest teams endures, embodying the spirit and toughness of the Dolphins’ storied history.
, the former Miami Dolphins linebacker renowned for his tenacity and leadership, passed away Wednesday at 76. Drafted in the 12th round in 1970 from Auburn, Kolen quickly made a name for himself, earning the nickname “Captain Crunch” for his hard-hitting style. He was a pivotal part of the Dolphins’ legendary defense during their Super Bowl years, particularly the historic 1972 season when the team became the first in NFL history to finish the regular season and playoffs without a loss or tie.
Kolen started 14 games as a rookie and went on to play eight seasons with the Dolphins, recording 84 games with 78 starts. His contributions included five career interceptions, two of which came in playoff games—one against the Baltimore Colts in the 1971 AFC Championship and another in the 1972 AFC Championship against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite battling injuries later in his career, Kolen remained dedicated to the Dolphins, retiring after the 1977 season.
Beyond his on-field achievements, Kolen was honored in 1985 with induction into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, and the Mike Kolen Award is presented annually to Auburn’s leading tackler. He was also the inaugural recipient of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes College Athlete of the Year Award in 1970, reflecting his commitment to sportsmanship and community service, culminating in his induction into the FCA Hall of Champions in 2006.
Kolen was part of a remarkable 1970 draft class for the Dolphins, which also included stars like Jake Scott and Tim Foley, contributing significantly to the team’s success. His legacy as a key player on one of the NFL’s greatest teams endures, embodying the spirit and toughness of the Dolphins’ storied history.
