Super Bowl Champion and Auburn Tigers legend, Mike Kolen dies

Kolen, 76 passed away on Wednesday, April 3rd 2024, according to the Auburn Tigers website.

Kolen is a legend of Auburn Tigers football, earning the nickname “Captain Crunch” for his aggressive tackling.

Starting 25 games for the Tigers from 1967-69, Kolen led the Tigers in tackles in 16 of those games, earning All-SEC selections as a result, per Jeff Shearer.

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Upon finishing his college career, Kolen was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the 12th round of the 1970 draft, per Pro Football Reference.

Kolen was part of the legendary 1972 Dolphins that remained undefeated during the entire season (including playoffs and Super Bowl), remaining the only team in NFL history to do so.

Kolen and the Dolphins were unable to repeat their undefeated season in 1973, but they were able to win a second successful Super Bowl under the coaching of NFL legend Don Shula.

Kolen retired after eight years in Miami, with the extreme brutality of NFL life taking its toll on his body, per The Daily Mail.

Following his football career, Kolen moved into business, owning several car dealerships and financial services firms.

Auburn honored Mike by awarding the Mike Kolen Award to the team’s leading tackler. In 2016 Mike said, “It's been a real thrill for me. You're congratulating a player from the previous year who had a great impact on Auburn's defensive side of the ball, being the leading tackler,” in relation to the award, per the Auburn Tigers website.

Mike is survived by his wife, Nancy, and two children, Kelly and John, and his five grandchildren, per The Daily Mail.

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