Bob Heinz was 79 years old. The American professional football player, a defensive tackle on the undefeated 1972 Miami Dolphins, was born on July 25, 1947, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and died on October 31, 2026, in Fresno, California. A two-time Super Bowl champion, Heinz played ten seasons in the NFL, nine with the Dolphins and one with the Washington Redskins, before a second career in advertising and sales.
Quick Facts
| Full Name | Robert Kenneth Heinz |
| Known For | Defensive tackle, 1972 undefeated Miami Dolphins |
| Age | 79 (July 25, 1947 – October 31, 2026) |
| Hometown | Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA |
| Height | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) |
| Occupation | Professional football player |
| Partner | Carol Heinz (married 1970) |
| Status | Died October 31, 2026 |
Who Is Bob Heinz?
Robert Kenneth Heinz was an American professional football player who spent most of his career as a defensive tackle for the Miami Dolphins. Drafted in the second round of the 1969 NFL/AFL draft, he wore No. 72 and became a member of the Dolphins’ famous “No-Name Defense.” Heinz played on the 1972 Dolphins team that finished 17–0, the only perfect season in NFL history, winning Super Bowl VII, and he won a second Super Bowl title with the Dolphins the following season. Known for his size and strength at 6 ft 6 in and 265 lb, he was credited with nine sacks across his career. After retiring, Heinz became an advertising executive in Palo Alto, California, and later worked in sales. He died in Fresno, California, on October 31, 2026, at 79; his death was reported in early November 2026.
Early Life & Background
Heinz was born on July 25, 1947, in Wisconsin, to Ken and Bette Heinz. He grew up in a large family near Milwaukee before moving to California during his high school years. He attended Messmer High School in Milwaukee and Lincoln High School in Stockton, California, excelling in football, basketball, and track and field. After high school, Heinz played college football at San Joaquin Delta College and then at the University of the Pacific, where he played for the Pacific Tigers. He was later inducted into the University of the Pacific Hall of Fame as a 1987–88 inductee. In 1970, Heinz married Carol, and the couple went on to raise three children — Julie, Joe, and John — in Menlo Park, California, their home for many years.
NFL Career & Life After Football
Heinz was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the second round, 37th overall, of the 1969 NFL/AFL draft. He played for the Dolphins from 1969 to 1977, lining up at defensive tackle and defensive end, and finished his career with the Washington Redskins in 1978, giving him ten seasons in the NFL. His defining years came in the early 1970s, when he was part of the Dolphins’ “No-Name Defense,” so nicknamed because the unit had no star names despite its dominance. In 1972, the Dolphins finished 17–0 and beat the Washington Redskins in Super Bowl VII, completing the only perfect season in NFL history. Heinz recorded two sacks and a fumble recovery during that perfect season. The Dolphins repeated as champions the following year, beating the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl VIII, giving Heinz a second Super Bowl ring. Across his career, he was credited with nine sacks and one fumble recovery.
After leaving the NFL, Heinz became an advertising executive in Palo Alto, California. He later built a long career in sales, and he and Carol eventually relocated from Menlo Park to Fresno, California. Heinz died in Fresno on October 31, 2026, at 79. He was survived by his wife, Carol, his children Julie, Joe, and John, and his grandchildren. A private family service was planned, with donations in his memory to the Miami Dolphins Foundation.
Facts About Bob Heinz
- He died on October 31, 2026, at 79, in Fresno, California, and his obituary was published on November 3, 2026.
- He wore No. 72 for the Miami Dolphins and was a member of the “No-Name Defense” on the undefeated 1972 team.
- He was drafted 37th overall in the second round of the 1969 NFL/AFL draft.
- He recorded two sacks and a fumble recovery during the 1972 perfect season and nine sacks across his career.
- He was inducted into the University of the Pacific Hall of Fame as a 1987–88 inductee.
How old was Bob Heinz when he died?
Bob Heinz was 79 years old when he died on October 31, 2026. He was born on July 25, 1947, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
Which teams did Bob Heinz play for?
Heinz played for the Miami Dolphins from 1969 to 1977 and for the Washington Redskins in 1978, playing ten NFL seasons in total.
Was Bob Heinz part of the undefeated 1972 Miami Dolphins?
Yes. Heinz was a defensive tackle on the Dolphins’ “No-Name Defense” during the 17–0 perfect season, which ended with a Super Bowl VII victory, and he won Super Bowl VIII the following season.
How tall was Bob Heinz?
Bob Heinz was 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) tall and weighed 265 lb (120 kg) during his playing career.
What was Bob Heinz’s net worth?
No reliable net worth estimate for Bob Heinz has been published by a reputable source, so no figure is given here.
Bob Heinz was one of the great defensive linemen of the 1970s. Browse more profiles in our NBA & NFL Superstars section.
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