Remembering Sammy Price: Former Dolphins Running Back Passes Away at 82

Sammy Price, the former Miami Dolphin who etched his name into football lore by catching Hall of Famer Bob Griese’s first touchdown pass, passed away on August 5 in Waterville, Ohio, a small suburb of Toledo. He was 82, and while his family has not released a cause of death, the news has sparked a wave of memories from teammates, coaches, and fans.

Born and raised in Illinois, Price was a three‑year letterman at the University of Illinois. He helped the Illini capture the 1963 Big Ten title and, most notably, a Rose Bowl victory over Washington. In 1965, he was part of the Illini squad that shocked #6 Purdue, a team quarterbacked by Bob Griese, a future NFL legend.

When the 1966 drafts rolled around, Price found himself in a rare situation: selected in the 11th round of the AFL draft by the Miami Dolphins and also picked by the New York Giants in the NFL draft. Opting for the fledgling expansion team, he signed with Miami a year before the historic AFL‑NFL merger.

During his three‑season stint with the Dolphins (1966‑68), Price was primarily a role player, logging 82 rushes for 313 yards. The 1967 season was his best—he started nine games, rushed for 179 yards, and scored both of his career touchdowns. One of those scores came on a 27‑yard pass from rookie quarterback Bob Griese in Week 3 against the Denver Broncos, a moment forever tied to Griese’s own rise.

Beyond the numbers, Price’s legacy lives in the stories his former teammates still tell. "We’re saddened to hear about the passing of Sam," Illinois sports information director Mike Pearson wrote, recalling Price’s contributions to the Illini’s 1963 Big Ten and Rose Bowl triumphs. "He later played in the NFL for the Miami Dolphins," Pearson added, underscoring the pride the university feels for his professional journey.

Price’s career may have been brief, but his impact stretched beyond the gridiron. He bridged the college and professional worlds during a pivotal era in football history, and his connection to iconic figures like Bob Griese cements his place in the sport’s rich tapestry.

As fans and former colleagues reflect on his life, they remember a hard‑working, humble player who gave his all on every snap. Sammy Price’s story is a reminder of the countless athletes whose contributions, though sometimes overlooked, helped shape the NFL into what it is today.