Hall of fame former Miami Dolphins linebacker Nick Buoniconti has died.
His passing ends a years-long struggle with dementia and the likelihood of CTE caused by an estimated half-billion hits to the head suffered during a football career that began at age 9 and continued until he retired from the Dolphins in 1976 at age 36.
He had been admitted to a hospice facility this week.
The 78 year old won 2 championships with the Fins.