A national champion at Alabama in 1978, Tony Nathan joined the Dolphins the following spring as a third-round pick. Miami saw a versatile back who could contribute in multiple ways, and he began his career primarily as a kick and punt returner. As a rookie, he earned first-team All-Pro honors on special teams, establishing himself as one of the league’s more dangerous return men that season.

He developed into one of the more well-rounded running backs of his era. Nathan was equally effective carrying the ball and catching it out of the backfield, giving Don Shula’s offense a reliable dual threat. He helped the Dolphins reach the playoffs multiple times and started in Super Bowls XVII and XIX. One of his lasting memories came in the 1981 playoffs against the Chargers, when he scored the game-tying touchdown on the famous hook-and-lateral play that helped spark a dramatic comeback.

In nine seasons with Miami, he rushed for 3,543 yards and 16 touchdowns on 732 carries while adding 3,592 receiving yards and another 16 touchdowns on 383 catches. He also contributed on returns early in his career and added 1,176 yards from scrimmage across 12 playoff games. After retiring, he stayed with the organization and joined Shula’s coaching staff. Nathan’s combination of college pedigree, all-around production, and postseason moments made him a steady, valuable piece of those Dolphins teams.