Former Miami Dolphins champion Garo Yepremian passed away at the age of 70 on Friday following a battle with cancer.
Yepremian was a member of both of Miami's championship teams from 1972-73. His run in Miami was from 1970-78 and he was named to the Pro Bowl twice. The placekicker also led the league in field goal percentage three times while with Miami.
Despite all his success, Yepremian is possibly best known for a mistake. During the Super Bowl in 1972, Yepremian fumbled the ball following a blocked field goal. That fumble led to a touchdown which cut Miami's lead to only seven in the final quarter. The Dolphins were trying to make it 17-0 at the time. The Dolphins went on to win the game and complete the perfect season.
Legendary head coach Don Shula once reflected on the aftermath of the infamous moment.
"I'm looking for Garo, and I'm ready to kill Garo, and I couldn't find him. He went down to one end of the bench, and I haven't seen him since," Shula said.
Before taking over kicker duties for Miami, Yepremian started his career with the Detroit Lions. It was in Detroit that he spent two seasons before leaving the NFL in favor of the United States Army. After serving in the military, Yepremian was unable to return to Detroit and eventually landed in Miami where he'd cement his place in history.
A viewing for Yepremian will take in place in Wynnewood, Pennsylvania and his funeral will be private. The Dolphins have yet to announce their plans for honoring Yepremian next season.
