The Dolphins will commemorate the late Nick Buoniconti this season with a special decal on their helmets.
The team on Wednesday announced the decal will feature the former linebacker's "NAB" initials and debut during the regular-season opener Sept. 8 against the Ravens.
We will wear the initials of Nick Buoniconti on our helmets this season to honor our late linebacker legend. He will be missed. #NoNameDefense #Perfect
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) August 21, 2019
📚 >> https://t.co/dzAVyTolr0 pic.twitter.com/myZe0YJoKp
Buoniconti died July 30 at age 78 after dealing with dementia and suspected chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) for years.
He spent the first seven seasons of his 14-year NFL career with the Boston Patriots before he was traded to the Dolphins in 1969. He later said he was devastated when his hometown Patriots traded him and considered calling it a career before deciding to stay with Miami.
The decision paid off handsomely, though, as Buoniconti went on to be part of the famous "No Name Defense" and the legendary 1972 Dolphins team that went 17-0 en route to winning Super Bowl 7. He also helped the team win Super Bowl 8 in 1973.
Buoniconti retired in 1976 with two Pro Bowl and six AFL All-Star selections. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2001.