For N.F.L. Perfection, a Steep Price
The New York Times
Nick Buoniconti, Jim Kiick and Jake Scott, of the undefeated 1972 Miami Dolphins, were each found to have C.T.E., the brain disease linked to head hits, bringing to six the number of players diagnosed from that team.
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — On a sunny January day nearly 50 years ago, Nick Buoniconti, Jim Kiick and Jake Scott ran off the field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum not just as Super Bowl champions, but as part of the only team in N.F.L. history to complete a perfect season.
They all played pivotal roles in the 1972 Miami Dolphins’ final victory. Scott, the gifted free safety, was named most valuable player of that game. Buoniconti, the pugnacious leader of the team’s No-Name Defense, made a key interception. Kiick, the versatile running back, scored the winning touchdown.
Within a few years, they all left the N.F.L. and went their separate ways. Save for the occasional team reunion or charity event, they rarely met.
