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Playing Career:
Shula was a running back for the Blue Streaks throughout the 1948-1950 seasons. He set a JCU mark by averaging 6.6 yards per carry, propelling him as an All-Big Four choice.
Shula went on to be drafted in the ninth round of the 1951 NFL draft by the Cleveland Browns as a defensive back. He immediately made his presence known, starting in all 12 games for the Browns. Shula recorded four interceptions and helped the Browns to an 11-1 record his rookie season and helped the Browns reach the 1951 NFL Championship. He would go on to play in seven more seasons for the Baltimore Colts and Washington Redskins, recording 21 interceptions and four fumble recoveries in 73 appearances.
Coaching Career:
Shula is considered the most winningest coach in NFL history, with a 347-173-6 record in his 36-year coaching tenure. He coached in six Super Bowls, the most appearances all-time for any coach. Shula went on to win Super Bowls VII and VIII. He remains the only head coach in NFL history to record a perfect season (17-0, 1972 Dolphins).
Shula started his coaching career with the Detroit Lions as the defensive backfield coach in the 1960 season. He coached there for three seasons, helping the Lions to two straight second place finishes in the NFL West. He received his first head coaching job with the Baltimore Colts in 1963. After an average first season (8-6), Shula propelled the Colts in the 1964 season to an 12-2 record in just his second year as a head coach.
In 1970, Shula accepted the head coach position with the Miami Dophins, where he would remain for 26 seasons. He won consecutive Super Bowls in 1973 and 1974. Under Shula, the Dolphins only experienced two losing seasons.
In 1997, Shula capped an illustrious career when he was inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
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