Larry Csonka, Class of 1987

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Larry Csonka, a classic 6-3, 235-pound line-smashing fullback, provided the major rushing thrust in the Miami Dolphins' vaunted ball-control offense when the team was dominating the National Football League in the early 1970s.

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A consensus All-America at Syracuse and the Dolphins’ No.1 draft pick in 1968, Larry contributed almost picture-perfect performances to Miami's three Super Bowl seasons in 1971, 1972, and 1973.

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Csonka surpassed 1,000 yards in rushing all three seasons with his best production – 1,117 yards – coming during Miami's perfect season in 1972.

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Extremely sure-handed, he fumbled only 21 times in 11 seasons. His 408 points came on 68 touchdowns.

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Csonka, who was born in Stow, Ohio, on December 25, 1946, startled the pro football world by playing out his option with Miami in 1974 and then joining the Memphis' Southmen of the World Football League. When the WFL folded, he joined the New York Giants as a free agent in 1976.

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He enjoyed moderate success for three seasons with the Giants before returning to the Dolphins for a final 1979 season.

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Csonka's final fling proved to be a success. His 873 yards rushing was his best since 1973 and his 13 total touchdowns and 12 touchdowns rushing both were career highs.

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Larry Csonka's Hall of Fame mural.

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Larry Csonka's Hall of Fame bust.