Former Miami Dolphin running back Sammy Price passes away at 82

Sammy Price, who was part of the Miami Dolphins’ early roster, died on Aug. 5 in Waterville, Ohio, a suburb of Toledo, according to an online obituary that did not specify a cause of death. The 82-year-old played three NFL seasons, all with the Dolphins, after being taken in the 11th round of the 1966 AFL draft from the University of Illinois, where he earned three letters. Although the New York Giants also drafted him in the 1966 NFL draft, he opted to join the expansion Miami franchise a year before the AFL-NFL merger.

Price’s standout season came in 1967, when he started nine games, rushed for 179 yards and scored both of his career touchdowns, including the 27-yard reception from rookie quarterback Bob Griese in a week-three win over the Broncos. Over his career he accumulated 82 rushes for 313 yards, one rushing touchdown, ten receptions for 70 yards and one receiving touchdown. Former Illinois sports information director Mike Pearson expressed sorrow over his passing, recalling Price’s role on the Illini’s Big Ten title and Rose Bowl championship teams.