Phinatics.com

Manny Fernandez
11/05/01

Manny Fernandez was a defensive tackle for the Miami Dolphins from 1968-1975. He played on both Super Bowl Championship Dolphins teams, including the 1972 UNDEFEATED team (17-0). Manny played college football for Utah.

Phinatics.com gives Mr. Fernandez a special "THANK YOU" for his participation.

Thanks also goes out to phinatics Danny Nelson and JH Garbo for their question contributions.

phinatics.com: Was there any game or week or moment or month when it hit you how good the ’72 team was?
Manny Fernandez: Not really. It was very much week to week.

phinatics.com: Do you think the ’73 team was better than the ’72 team?
Manny Fernandez: Definitely.

phinatics.com: Can you shed some light for the fans on why Jake Scott seemed to have a dislike for Coach Shula and still seems to be anti-Dolphins?
Manny Fernandez: It involved an injury, and I would rather not give my version. I did not personally witness the confrontations.

phinatics.com: What are the some of the memories you have from the first time you and the team learned that Kiick, Csonka, and Warfield were leaving?
Manny Fernandez: Larry called me to ask what I thought he should do, and I laughed and then told him if he didn’t want the money to send them to my house.

phinatics.com: Did you ever consider leaving the NFL to go to the World League?
Manny Fernandez: Sure – but Joe Robbie matched their offer.

phinatics.com: What’s the real story behind the name “No Name Defense”? Was it something that bothered the players, or did they like it?
Manny Fernandez: Some liked it and others didn’t. I personally wasn’t very fond of it.

phinatics.com: You are considered by many to be the next possible “No Name” player to make the Hall of Fame. Do you think the ’72 defense is underrated? Is making the Hall something you think about a lot?
Fernandez: I truly believe all the "No Name" nonsense has caused paralysis on the part of the HOF electors. Nick should have been in 15-20 years ago and Bill Stanfill right behind him.

phinatics.com: How great was it to attend Nick Buoniconti’s Hall of Fame induction?
Manny Fernandez: Nick’s induction was long overdue. The weekend was great, and I was very proud of Nick and Mark for the great speeches that day and for all their tremendous success with the Miami Project.

phinatics.com: Who do you think was the toughest player you ever had to play against?
Manny Fernandez: Nobody comes to mind.

phinatics.com: Can you share with us any memories of working for Coach Shula?
Manny Fernandez: Very methodical. Tremendous work ethic. Extremely dedicated and had the ability to get the most out of what he had to work with. But, was not very flexible and could be extremely stubborn.

phinatics.com: What was your personal favorite game or play you were involved in?
Manny Fernandez: Super Bowl VII, for obvious reasons.

phinatics.com: What type of memorabilia, if any, did you keep from your playing years?
Manny Fernandez: Helmet and jersey.

phinatics.com: During your years with the Dolphins, the team had drafted great players like Griese, Csonka and Anderson but had also picked up greats like Warfield, Buoniconti, Little, Matheson, and yourself in free agency/trades. What are your thoughts on the never-ending debate about whether it is better to try and build a championship team in today’s NFL through free agency or the draft?
Manny Fernandez: I think there is no pat answer and that you must be flexible and keep all options open.

phinatics.com: After losing to the Cowboys in Super Bowl 6, and then going 16-0 to reach SB7, did the team atmosphere seem to be one of extreme pressure or one of total confidence?
Manny Fernandez: Total confidence. It was a very focused, relaxed, and confident team that showed up in the Coliseum that day.

phinatics.com: True of False: Defenses win championships?
Manny Fernandez: True.

phinatics.com: A lot of former NFL players, particularly Dolphins, enjoy lots of hunting and fishing. Is there some correlation between hunting/fishing and football that may explain this phenomenon?
Manny Fernandez: The great outdoors, adrenaline rush.

phinatics.com: Do you still water ski in your spare time?
Manny Fernandez: Not in 30 years.

phinatics.com: Do you ever get tired of all the talk about the undefeated season?
Manny Fernandez: At times. Depends on whom I am talking to.

phinatics.com: Did you ever consider a coaching career?
Manny Fernandez: No.

phinatics.com: Did you enjoy watching the 2001 Dolphins-Raiders game live and do you keep up with the current team?
Manny Fernandez: Always love to see the Raiders get beat. Yes, I do follow the current team and should get to 5 games this year.

phinatics.com: What do you think about the current DT’s?
Manny Fernandez: I can’t critique current players. Unless you are completely familiar with their assignments and can take the time to study game tape it’s nearly impossible to evaluate and rate individual players.

phinatics.com: Please tell us about what you do now for a living.
Manny Fernandez: I am an Account Executive with First America Title Insurance Company. Call on Real Estate Attorneys in Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties.

phinatics.com: Do you keep in touch much with any former Dolphin teammates? If yes, who?
Manny Fernandez: There are about 100 retired Dolphins living in the South Florida area, and we get involved in all types of events in the various communities. The teammates I see most often are Mercury, Larry Little, Jim Kiick, and Earl Morrall. Bill Stanfill and I still talk every month or two, and I get up to GA to visit about twice a year.

phinatics.com: Have any confused individuals ever asked you to teach them the flying burrito wrestling move?
Manny Fernandez: Too many.

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