Jake Scott, member of the Perfect Dolphins team and first safety to win Super Bowl MVP, dies at 75



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Former Super Bowl MVP and esteemed member of the Miami Dolphins’ “No Name” defense Jake Scott has died aged 75. Dick Anderson, who shared a defensive backfield with Scott for six seasons in Miami, said Scott spent a week in hospital after a fall and a head injury, according to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.

The Dolphins issued a statement on Scott’s death Thursday night.

“We are saddened to learn of the passing of Jake Scott. Jake has made an impact since he joined the Dolphins in 1970, winning five Pro Bowl selections, a place on the Dolphins’ honor roll and was the Super Bowl MVP VII, capping the one perfect season in NFL history. Our all-time leader in interceptions, he teamed up with Dick Anderson to form one of the best safety duos in the world. NFL history. Our thoughts and prayers are with family and friends. He will. always have a place in our hearts and memories. ”

A standout player in Georgia, Scott was a seventh-round pick in the 1970 draft. An immediate start, Anderson notched five assists this season while helping the Dolphins to their first winning season. A year later, he won the first of five straight Pro Bowl caps while helping the Dolphins reach their first Super Bowl.

After losing to the Cowboys in Super Bowl VI, the Dolphins were determined to return to the Super Bowl in 1972. Along the way, Miami managed to become the first team in NFL history to post a perfect record, going 14-0 in the regular season before beating the Browns and Steelers in the playoffs. In Super Bowl VII, Scott’s two interceptions helped Dolphins win 14-7 win over Washington. In the process, Scott became the first defensive back to win Super Bowl MVP honors. The following season, Scott won his first of two consecutive All-Pro caps while helping the Dolphins become the second NFL team to win back-to-back Super Bowls.

In 1974, Scott had eight career-high interceptions while helping the Dolphins race to become the first team in NFL history to appear in four consecutive Super Bowls. The Dolphins ‘reign at the top of the NFL came to an end after Clarence Davis’ “Sea of ​​Hands” touchdown gave the Raiders a 28-24 victory in the AFC playoffs.

After winning another Pro Bowl nod in 1975, Scott spent his last three seasons in Washington before returning after the 1978 season. In nine seasons, Scott recorded 49 interceptions to go with 13 fumble recoveries. A model of consistency, Scott has recorded at least three interceptions each season. He also missed just two games in his career while making 126 regular season starts.

Scott is the third member of the legendary 1972 Dolphins team to die in 2020. Don Shula, the most successful coach in NFL history, died in May at the age of 90. Two-time Pro Bowler half-back Jim Kiick who led the NFL in rushing touchdowns in 1969, died in June at age 73. In July 2019, Hall of Fame linebacker Nick Buoniconti died aged 78. The current Dolphins team wear a patch in honor of Shula throughout the 2020 season.



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