Sammy Price, a running back and fullback who suited up for the Miami Dolphins in the club’s first three seasons, has died. He was 82.
Family members, including his niece and son, shared the news of his Aug. 5 passing through social media posts. Former University of Illinois sports information director Mike Pearson later confirmed the details on his X account after friends and relatives left tributes on Facebook.
Price was born Oct. 1, 1943, in the small community of Margaret, Alabama. He later moved north and played high school football at Jesup Wakeman Scott High School in Toledo, Ohio, before heading to the University of Illinois.
At Illinois he competed from 1962 through 1965 and became a regular contributor in the backfield during his final three seasons. In 1963 he carried the ball 88 times for 326 yards and three touchdowns while adding 98 receiving yards. The next year he rushed for 225 yards and caught passes for another 95 yards.
As a senior in 1965, Price ran 46 times for 178 yards and two scores and hauled in seven receptions for 38 yards. His career totals with the Illini stood at 729 rushing yards, 231 receiving yards and seven touchdowns overall. He also earned a place on the 1963 Big Ten championship squad that went on to win the 1964 Rose Bowl under coach Pete Elliott.
The Miami Dolphins selected Price with the first choice of the 11th round in the 1966 American Football League draft, the 92nd pick overall. The New York Giants also took him in the 16th round of that year’s NFL draft. Price opted for the expansion Dolphins and joined the group of players who formed the franchise’s original roster.
He wore No. 30 during his three seasons in Miami from 1966 to 1968. Price appeared in 36 games and started nine, splitting time between halfback and fullback. His busiest year came in 1967, when he started every game he played and ranked third on the team in rushing attempts under coach George Wilson.
For his AFL career Price gained 313 yards on 82 carries, averaging 3.8 yards per attempt. He also caught 10 passes for 70 yards and scored two touchdowns, one on the ground and one through the air.
One of those scores carried special meaning: he hauled in the first career touchdown pass thrown by future Hall of Famer Bob Griese during the 1967 season opener against the Denver Broncos.
Although his statistical output remained modest, Price occupied a lasting spot in Dolphins history as a member of the club’s inaugural squads. Those early teams laid the groundwork for the success that would follow in the 1970s.
After leaving pro football, Price turned his attention to a variety of business efforts. He worked in car sales and later owned restaurants, among other ventures.
He is survived by his children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
