Don Shula: Dan Marino, Larry Fitzgerald and Other NFL Stars Honor Legendary Dolphins Coach

Dan Marino, Bill Belichick, J.J. Watt and the NFL community paid tribute to late Dolphins coach Don Shula after he died Monday morning.

Dolphins Hall of Fame coach Don Shula died Monday morning at his home at the age of 90.

As the winningest coach in NFL history, Shula led the 1972 Dolphins to the only undefeated season the league has ever witnessed. Miami went 17–0 and capped off its perfect season with a 14–7 victory over Washington in Super Bowl VII.

Shula's legendary toughness and intensity defined his 33-year coaching career, which included seven years with the Baltimore Colts, 26 seasons in Miami and two Super Bowl rings. The Hall of Famer remains one of the greatest coaches in NFL history, and his death is a huge loss to the football community. 

Former Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino, who played for Shula for over 10 seasons, joined NFL stars J.J. Watt and Larry Fitzgerald and more players in paying tribute to Shula on social media. Multiple NFL teams and coaches also honored Shula.

"Coach 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," Marino said.

Coach 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. (Part 1/2) pic.twitter.com/Ytoi5l7H4F

— Dan Marino (@DanMarino) May 4, 2020

Thank you for always believing in me. You made me a better player and person. My thoughts & prayers are with the entire Shula family. Love you Coach! #RIP (Part 2 of 2) pic.twitter.com/iFMLip3dCV

— Dan Marino (@DanMarino) May 4, 2020

A true legend. RIP Coach🙏🏼 https://t.co/e4e7CsBI7U

— Troy Aikman (@TroyAikman) May 4, 2020

“Don Shula can take his and beat yours, and he could take yours and beat his.” - Bum Phillips

The NFL lost a legend today.

Rest In Peace Don.

— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) May 4, 2020

Rest in peace Coach Don Shula. You are a legend and one of the greatest icons the NFL has ever seen.

Prayers for peace and memories of fond times for the Shula family. #Legend

— Larry Fitzgerald (@LarryFitzgerald) May 4, 2020

R.I.P. to the goat Don Shula🙏🏾

— DeVante Parker (@DeVanteParker11) May 4, 2020

We lost the greatest coach of all time. RIP Coach Don Shula pic.twitter.com/nVD0nkQm1W

— Bruce Arians (@BruceArians) May 4, 2020

“One thing I never want to be accused of is not working.”
RIP Coach Don Shula.

— Kenyan Drake™ (@KDx32) May 4, 2020

Rip, one of the greatest of all time..Don Shula ..he set the standard...will talk later today on FOX

— Jimmy Johnson (@JimmyJohnson) May 4, 2020

Rest In Peace “Don Shula”! Legendary🙏🏽🐐

— Davon Godchaux (@ChauxDown) May 4, 2020

We join the NFL community in expressing our sincere condolences to the family of legendary @ProFootballHOF Coach Don Shula.

Our hearts especially go out to his son, Broncos Quarterbacks Coach Mike Shula. pic.twitter.com/1qD8ieus7R

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) May 4, 2020

Our deepest condolences go out to the family of legendary Baltimore Colts and @MiamiDolphins head coach Don Shula after his passing this morning. pic.twitter.com/55DRpipYA8

— New York Jets (@nyjets) May 4, 2020

Rest in peace, Coach Shula.

— Indianapolis Colts (@Colts) May 4, 2020

Statement from #Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick on the passing of Don Shula: https://t.co/Qx6SzsGbsw pic.twitter.com/KSARlkda4Y

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) May 4, 2020

We express our deepest condolences to the family and friends of former @MiamiDolphins Head Coach Don Shula who passed this morning. pic.twitter.com/aVhQ5FuN4j

— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) May 4, 2020

"If there was a Mt. Rushmore for the NFL, Don Shula certainly would be chiseled into the granite."

Stephen Ross on Coach Shula. pic.twitter.com/OJKxpEZS3k

— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) May 4, 2020

Statement from Jerry Jones on the passing of Don Shula.

🔗 https://t.co/5VK6xzPM8a pic.twitter.com/xUUW9VOvJW

— Dallas Cowboys (@dallascowboys) May 4, 2020

Statement from Coach Harbaugh on the passing of Don Shula: pic.twitter.com/39M1m9E6lS

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) May 4, 2020

Reaction from Alain Poupart of All Dolphins: To say Don Shula put South Florida on the sports map is no exaggeration. He made the Miami Dolphins the envy of many, if not all franchises, in the 1970s and into the ‘80s.

The two things that stand out most about Shula’s career as Dolphins head coach was the incredible consistency he showed. The man had a losing record exactly twice in 26 seasons.

More remarkable, though, was the way he adapted to his talent. He won two Super Bowls with a run-oriented offense when he had Bob Griese as his quarterback, then unleashed the greatest passing attack the NFL had ever seen once he got his hands on Dan Marino.

The mark Shula left on South Florida is indelible—there's even a highway named after him. The stadium address is 347 Don Shula Drive, commemorating the legendary coach and his career victory total.