Nick Buoniconti Biography

Nicholas Anthony Buoniconti was born on December 15, 1940, and passed away on July 30, 2019, as an American professional football player who played as a middle linebacker in the AFL and NFL. He played college football for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, where he earned recognition as a standout athlete. Buoniconti was drafted by the New England Patriots in the 13th round of the 1962 AFL draft after graduating from Notre Dame. As a tackle, he served as captain of the 1961 Notre Dame football team, though NFL scouts believed he was too small for professional play. The following year, he helped the Boston Patriots secure the 1963 AFL Eastern Division title. He appeared in five AFL All-Star Games and recorded 24 interceptions during his tenure with Boston. He played for the Miami Dolphins from 1969 to 1974 and again in 1976, earning AFL All-Star honors in 1969 and NFL Pro Bowl selections in 1972 and 1973, when he contributed to the team’s Super Bowl victories.