If you’ve been paying attention to football for any length of time, you know it’s rare for one player to play more than one position on a football team – and I’m not talking about the occasional pass thrown by a running back. I’m referring to playing two positions all season long. It’s even more rare to play them so well that you lead your team in stats at both positions for that year. Having said that, if you like Miami Dolphins football trivia, you should love this question about a talented Dolphins team leader who distinguished himself, by doing just that. See if you know the answer to this mini Miami Dolphins football trivia quiz:
Question:
What full-time Miami Dolphins punter was also the team’s leading receiver for an entire year
Answer:
Larry Seiple was the Miami Dolphins full-time punter from 1967-1977. In 1969, he also led the Dolphins in receptions with 41, yards receiving with 577 and touchdown receptions with five. For what it’s worth, he was also 1-1 in passing that year for eight yards.
In my opinion, however, Seiple’s best punt was the one he didn’t kick. He was given the green light to run from punt formation whenever he wanted, but as Coach Shula told him, “You better make it!” Football fans know that running from punt formation on 4th down is a risky play because if you don’t make it, you give your opponent excellent field position.
In 1972, the Miami Dolphins were 15-0, after going undefeated during the regular season and then winning their first playoff game against Cleveland. They now faced a very tough Pittsburgh Steeler team. The Steelers were giving the Dolphins all they could handle and with the game still in doubt, Seiple came onto the field to punt. Instead, he saw that he had a chance to run from punt formation and did so, gaining 37 yards. Coach Shula said later that he noticed in film study that on certain occasions, the Steeler punt team would rush, then peel off quickly. He felt that in the right circumstance, a run from punt formation would work, and he was right. Seiple’s run kept Miami’s drive alive and the Dolphins went on to score their first touchdown of the game. They also went on to beat Pittsburgh and then the Washington Redskins in Super Bowl VII to complete the 17-0 undefeated season. And it goes without saying that their undefeated record has never been eclipsed. But if you’re a Miami Dolphins fan, you definitely already know that!
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