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Reaction to the death of Hall of Fame coach Don Shula

Posted May 04, 2020 7:00 am

By The Associated Press

FILE - In this Nov. 17, 2019, file photo, former Miami Dolphins head coach Don Shula watches the team before an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills in Miami Gardens, Fla. Shula, who won the most games of any NFL coach and led the Miami Dolphins to the only perfect season in league history, died Monday, May 4, 2020, at his home in Indian Creek, Fla., the team said. He was 90. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee, File) The Associated Press

Reaction from the NFL world to the death Monday of Pro Football Hall of Fame coach Don Shula:

'œCoach Shula - you will truly be missed! You embody the definition of 'greatness.' You brought that winning attitude with you every day and made everyone around you better.'ť - former Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino in a tweet.

'œThe guy had me fooled. He was such a strong personality and figure, you take for granted he's always going to be there. I just assumed in 10 years we'd be celebrating his 100th birthday if the rest of us were lucky enough to live that long.'ť - former Dolphins fullback Larry Csonka.

'œHe was a source of inspiration to me every time I was around him.'ť - Dolphins owner Stephen Ross in a statement.

'œHe was an inspiration to us all for his faith and love of family and community. He is remembered as a great leader who shaped many lives by his example. He left us still undefeated!'ť - the Shula family in a statement.

'œWe lost someone who cannot be replaced, who cannot be equaled, and who personified everything that is right not only about our sport, but about the way we all should conduct ourselves.'ť - former Dolphins quarterback Bob Griese in a statement.

'œDon was not just an iconic figure in the history of our game. He was an American institution who always represented the highest levels of character, leadership and integrity. Being in his presence was always a special opportunity to rub shoulders with true greatness.'ť - Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones in a statement.

'œCoach Shula is on the Mount Rushmore of NFL head coaches, and his coaching career impacted so many people on and off the field.'ť - Pittsburgh Steelers president Art Rooney II in a statement.

'œAny time I got to spend with him was always the best part of my day.'ť - former Dolphins coach Adam Gase, now coach of the New York Jets.

'œDon Shula is a legend who had an incredible impact on the game of football. He was an innovator who competed for championships over several eras of professional football.'ť - Dolphins coach Brian Flores in a statement.

'œCoach Shula was a man who truly loved the game, and I have often been moved by the deep respect and affection he was always afforded by the men who played for him.'ť - Pro Football Hall of Fame president David Baker in a statement.

'œCoach Shula and the Shula family have been part of our lives for over 62 years. The memories we created together, including our Miami Dolphins Super Bowl championships and the 1972 undefeated season, are some of life's greatest moments.'ť - former Dolphins offensive coordinator Howard Schnellenberger and his wife, Beverlee, in a statement.

'œDon Shula was so much more than just the greatest coach in NFL history. More importantly, he possessed so many qualities that only the very best among us attain: unparalleled leadership, dignity, class, honesty and integrity.'ť - Tim Robbie, former Dolphins president and son of team co-founder Joe Robbie, in a statement.

'œCoach Shula was the rare man who exemplified true greatness in every aspect of his life. He will be so missed by so many, but his legacy of character and excellence will endure.'ť - Dolphins president Tom Garfinkel in a statement.

'œBest coach on earth, best coach in heaven.'ť - former Dolphins receiver Mark Clayton in a tweet.

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The Miami Dolphins team flag flies at half mast outside the NFL football team's training camp facility, Monday, May 4, 2020, in Davie, Fla. Former Dolphins coach and Hall of Famer Don Shula died Monday at his home in Indian Creek, Fla. He was 90. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee) The Associated Press

FILE - In this Jan. 14, 1973, file photo, Miami Dolphins coach Don Shula is carried off the field after his team won the NFL football Super Bowl game 14-7 against the Washington Redskins in Los Angeles. Shula, who won the most games of any NFL coach and led the Miami Dolphins to the only perfect season in league history, died Monday, May 4, 2020, at his home in Indian Creek, Fla., the team said. He was 90. (AP Photo/File) The Associated Press

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