Shula Tributes Keep Pouring In

Between current and former NFL players, coaches, executives and organizations, the messages of respect for Don Shula haven't stopped coming

Alain Poupart | May 5, 2020

The tributes started coming in quickly after news of the passing of legendary Dolphins head coach Don Shula began circulating, and they haven't stopped.

From his former players to current members of the Dolphins organization, and others all around the sports world, the outpouring of respect was something to see.

Here's but a small sample:

I met Don Shula when he took over the Dolphins. It was at La Gorce in Miami, where I worked with Jack Grout. Don sat down for lunch with a guy he didn’t know, just talk football. What a wonderfully nice man he was. That started a special friendship I've cherished for 50 years. pic.twitter.com/Li1xoE2BF1
— Jack Nicklaus (@jacknicklaus) May 4, 2020

Pat Riley statement on the passing of Coach Don Shula

“There was no better man or coach in the history of the profession than Coach Don Shula. He was tough, courageous and an authentic leader with great integrity in his pursuit of perfection, which he achieved!"
— Miami HEAT (@MiamiHEAT) May 4, 2020

From one legendary coach to another.

Coach Madden remembers the great Don Shula. pic.twitter.com/CLwSrP1Ozf
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) May 4, 2020

Truly one of the Legends of Coaching on and off the field. I’m honored to have been coached by him. Don Shula RIH pic.twitter.com/fPaU98wY8U
— Keith Byars (@KAB41) May 4, 2020

We lost a true legend in our profession today with the passing of Coach Don Shula. I have so much respect and admiration for what he brought to the game and to life in general. He was a trailblazer who will be missed greatly.
— Mike Tomlin (@CoachTomlin) May 4, 2020

Don Shula was a Giant ofmy childhood. He was the best football coach I have ever seen.He was also one of the kindest nicest gentleman the world has ever seen.Thanks Coach Shues for my favorite sports moments. U gave me most of them. Love u Coach. My heartgoes out to your family. pic.twitter.com/T4uIgW5V86
— Darius Rucker (@dariusrucker) 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

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

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

"Don Shula is a legend who had an incredible impact on the game of football." - Head Coach Brian Flores pic.twitter.com/rBwozs7iY5
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) May 4, 2020

Deeply saddened to hear the passing of Coach Don Shula. He always treated me so well & was so kind to my family. He was a champion on the sidelines, one of the greatest. Off the field, he did so much philanthropic work in the community. A true legend who will be greatly missed pic.twitter.com/laaswjMOBs
— Alex Rodriguez (@AROD) 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

Published May 5, 2020

ALAIN POUPART

Alain Poupart is the publisher/editor of Miami Dolphins On SI and co-host of the All Dolphins Podcast. Alain has covered the Miami Dolphins on a full-time basis since 1989 for various publications and media outlets, including Dolphin Digest, The Associated Press and the Dolphins team website. In addition to being a credentialed member of the Miami Dolphins press corps, Alain has covered three Super Bowls (for NFL.com, Football News and the Montreal Gazette), the annual NFL draft, the Senior Bowl, and the NFL Scouting Combine. During his almost 40 years in journalism, which began at the now-defunct Miami News, Alain has covered practically every sport at one time or another, from tennis to golf, baseball, basketball and everything in between. The career also included time as a copy editor, including work on several books, such as "Still Perfect," an inside look at the Miami Dolphins' 1972 perfect season. A native of Montreal, Canada, whose first language is French, Alain grew up a huge hockey fan but soon developed a love for all sports, including NFL football. He has lived in South Florida since the 1980s.