Don Shula Abides

SI Staff | Aug 16, 2013

Don Shula Abides

Shula's 347 career wins are the most in NFL history. (Marta Lavandier/AP)

Shula's 347 career wins are the most in NFL history. (Marta Lavandier/AP)

He became coach of the Baltimore Colts in 1963 at age 33—just three years older than quarterback Johnny Unitas. (Neil Leifer/SI)

He became coach of the Baltimore Colts in 1963 at age 33—just three years older than quarterback Johnny Unitas. (Neil Leifer/SI)

Drawing up plays for Unitas (l.) and running back Lenny Moore. (AP)

Drawing up plays for Unitas (l.) and running back Lenny Moore. (AP)

Shula won the NFL championship in 1968 with the Colts, but was on the losing end of Super Bowl III and Joe Namath's guarantee. (Walter Iooss Jr./SI)

Shula won the NFL championship in 1968 with the Colts, but was on the losing end of Super Bowl III and Joe Namath's guarantee. (Walter Iooss Jr./SI)

In 26 years in Miami, he had just two losing seasons. (Andy Hayt/SI)

In 26 years in Miami, he had just two losing seasons. (Andy Hayt/SI)

Shula's sons Mike (l.) and Dave followed in their father's footsteps and became football coaches. (Bill Frakes/SI)

Shula's sons Mike (l.) and Dave followed in their father's footsteps and became football coaches. (Bill Frakes/SI)

Shula was an avid golfer before a blood clot shot through his heart a little more than two years ago. (Bill Frakes/SI)

Shula was an avid golfer before a blood clot shot through his heart a little more than two years ago. (Bill Frakes/SI)

Standing between his team and the Vikings before Super Bowl VIII. (James K. Colton/Getty)

Standing between his team and the Vikings before Super Bowl VIII. (James K. Colton/Getty)

After a 24-7 victory over Minnesota, Miami stood alone as back-to-back champs. (Wilfredo Lee/AP)

After a 24-7 victory over Minnesota, Miami stood alone as back-to-back champs. (Wilfredo Lee/AP)