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Mike Kolen

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Article Genealogy
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Mike Kolen
NameMike Kolen
Number57
PositionLinebacker
Birth date14 October 1947
Birth placeBirmingham, Alabama
Weight lb220
CollegeAuburn University
Draftyear1970
Draftround12
Draftpick289
Pastteams* Miami Dolphins (1970–1977)
Highlights* 2× Super Bowl champion (VII, VIII) * NFL 1970s All-Decade Team * Auburn Team of the Century

Mike Kolen was an American professional football player who spent his entire career as a linebacker for the Miami Dolphins of the National Football League. Renowned for his hard-hitting style, he was a key defensive contributor on the Dolphins teams that won consecutive Super Bowl championships in the early 1970s and completed the only perfect season in NFL history. Nicknamed "Captain Crunch" for his punishing tackles, Kolen was later named to the National Football League 1970s All-Decade Team.

Early life and education

Mike Kolen was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama, where he attended Berry High School. He excelled in multiple sports, demonstrating the athletic prowess that would define his future career. Following his graduation, he chose to continue his education and football career in his home state at Auburn University. At Auburn, he majored in business administration, balancing academic pursuits with his rising profile on the Southeastern Conference gridiron.

College football career

Kolen played college football for the Auburn Tigers under head coach Shug Jordan. He became a standout linebacker and team captain, earning a reputation as one of the most formidable defensive players in the SEC. His senior season performance garnered him All-Southeastern Conference honors and recognition as an All-American. His impact on the program was so significant that he was later selected to the Auburn Team of the Century, cementing his legacy among the greatest players in the university's storied history.

Professional football career

Selected by the Miami Dolphins in the twelfth round of the 1970 NFL Draft, Kolen quickly became a starter for head coach Don Shula. He was a vital component of the famed "No-Name Defense" that propelled the Dolphins to three consecutive Super Bowl appearances from 1971 to 1973. Kolen's consistent play at linebacker was instrumental in the team's victories in Super Bowl VII and Super Bowl VIII, including the undefeated 1972 season. He played his entire eight-year professional career with the Dolphins, alongside defensive stalwarts like Nick Buoniconti and Jake Scott, before retiring after the 1977 NFL season.

Post-football life and legacy

After retiring from the NFL, Kolen returned to Alabama and built a successful career in the business sector, working in the insurance and investment industries. He remained connected to his alma mater, supporting various Auburn University athletic and charitable initiatives. His legacy endures through his inclusion on the National Football League 1970s All-Decade Team and his revered status among the iconic figures of the Dolphins' early-1970s dynasty. Kolen is frequently celebrated at reunions for the perfect season team and is remembered as a quintessential hard-nosed defender of his era. Category:1970 Miami Dolphins draft picks Category:Miami Dolphins players Category:American football linebackers Category:Auburn Tigers football players Category:Players of American football from Birmingham, Alabama Category:Super Bowl champions