Mid-Missouri native celebrates 50th anniversary of Miami’s undefeated season

HOUSTON (KMIZ)

Mexico, Mo. native Howard Kindig celebrated the 50th anniversary of Miami’s undefeated season on Super Bowl Sunday at his home in Texas.

The former Bulldog was the long snapper for the Dolphins during their 17-0 season in 1972. It’s still the only undefeated season in NFL history. Kindig was also on Miami’s 1973 Super Bowl team.

“Coach [Gary] Filbert taught me how to snap the football in high school,” Kindig said.

Howard was Mexico, Mo.’s first NFL player.

“Mexico is a wonderful wonderful town,” Kindig said. “I love Mexico and was really fortunate to be raised there.”

Kindig admitted football wasn’t his best sport in high school. He also played basketball and was on the track team.

After High School, Kindig ended up at Moberly Area Community College. He played basketball for the legendary Cotton Fitzsimmons.

If it were up to Kindig – he would’ve played football for Dan Devine at Mizzou.

“He ended up coaching in Green Bay, Dan Devine, and we were in Green Bay, and we were on the field warming up,” Kindig said. “He comes up, and he goes Aren’t you from Mexico?’ Yessir. ‘How did we miss you?'”

It all worked out for Kindig. The late Missouri Sports Hall of Famer Gary Filbert advised him to join the Marines. After that, he went to Cal State-Los Angeles to play college football.

“I had a couple good years,” Kindig said. “I got drafted into the NFL and ended up playing 12 years.”

That included two championship seasons under Miami head coach Don Shula.

“He took a team that in 1969 was the worst football team in football, and in 1972 is the greatest team in the history of the league,” Kindig said.

After his football days, Kindig went into the real estate business. He currently lives in Houston with his wife, Selena. They’ve been married for 57 years. Kindig said he hasn’t been back to Mexico since about 1980, but his sister still lives in Auxvasse, Mo. He also said he has relatives currently living in Columbia.

Kindig went from the center of Missouri to the center of football’s greatest team.

“Overall, I’ve had a terrific ride to tell you the truth,” Kindig said. “It’s been one terrific life.”