The Minnesota Vikings' unbeaten start ended Sunday with a 19-15 loss to the Detroit Lions, ensuring that no NFL team would finish this season with a perfect record. For Larry Csonka, a Pro Football Hall of Famer who helped the Miami Dolphins complete their undefeated 1972 campaign, the result provided another occasion to celebrate.
Minnesota had entered Week 8 at 6-0 and was the league's only remaining unbeaten team. Its defeat preserved Miami's distinction for a 54th year. Since the Super Bowl era began in 1966, the Dolphins remain the only team to have completed both the regular season and postseason without a loss. Their 1972 run ended at 17-0 with a victory in Super Bowl VII.
Csonka marked the Lions' win with a social media post on November 1. He shared a photograph showing him raising a glass while holding a cigar, with his Super Bowl ring also on display. His accompanying message congratulated Detroit on its victory and acknowledged the players and supporters connected to Miami's perfect season.
"CHEERS to all my '72 undefeated teammates and #MiamiDolphin fans on our now 54 year record!" Csonka wrote. The post brought together congratulations for the team that handed Minnesota its first defeat and a celebration of the achievement he shared with his Miami teammates.
The former fullback had marked a similar occasion in 2024. That year, he posted a comparable photograph after the Kansas City Chiefs lost in Week 11, ending their unbeaten start. This season, it was Detroit's victory over Minnesota that gave Csonka the opportunity to salute the Dolphins' continuing place alone in the record book.
Csonka made a substantial contribution to Miami's perfect campaign. His 1,117 rushing yards led the Dolphins, and his six touchdowns ranked second on the team. He also gained 119 yards on the ground in Super Bowl VII, with a 49-yard run among his contributions to the championship victory.
The strongest challenge to Miami's distinction came during the 2007 season. The New England Patriots reached Super Bowl XLII with an 18-0 record, putting them one victory from an undefeated championship campaign. Instead, the New York Giants upset them. With Minnesota now beaten, the Dolphins' accomplishment will remain unmatched through another NFL season.
