Topic overview
Briefly
- Sammy Price, a former running back for the Miami Dolphins, died on August 5, 2023, at the age of 82.
- He played for the Dolphins during their first three seasons and was a significant contributor to the team.
- His legacy is remembered by family and friends, highlighting his importance in the franchise's history.
What happened
In the United States, Sammy Price, a former running back and fullback for the Miami Dolphins, passed away on August 5, 2023, at the age of 82. His death was confirmed through social media posts by his family, including his niece and son, and was further validated by former University of Illinois sports information director Mike Pearson. Price was born on October 1, 1943, in Margaret, Alabama, and he attended Jesup Wakeman Scott High School in Toledo, Ohio, before moving on to play college football at the University of Illinois from 1962 to 1965.
During his college career, Price became a significant contributor to the Illinois backfield, particularly in his final three seasons. He recorded impressive statistics, including 729 rushing yards and 231 receiving yards, along with seven total touchdowns. His performance in college led to his selection by the Miami Dolphins in the 1966 American Football League draft, where he was picked with the first selection of the 11th round, making him the 92nd overall pick. Price chose to join the Dolphins, helping to establish the team during its inaugural season.
Price played for the Dolphins from 1966 to 1968, wearing the number 30 jersey. Over his three seasons, he participated in 36 games and started in nine of them, playing both halfback and fullback positions. His most notable season was in 1967 when he started all nine games and ranked third on the team in rushing attempts. Throughout his AFL career, he accumulated 313 rushing yards on 82 carries, averaging 3.8 yards per attempt, and caught 10 passes for 70 yards, scoring two touchdowns—one rushing and one receiving.
Despite his modest career totals, Sammy Price held a significant place in the history of the Miami Dolphins franchise. He is remembered not only for his contributions on the field but also for the impact he had on the team during its formative years. Price is survived by his children, grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, who continue to honor his legacy in the sport.
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