Vikings' Defeat Extends Dolphins' 54-Year Undefeated Streak
Larry Csonka celebrated on social media after Minnesota's loss to Detroit kept the 1972 team as the only perfect squad in Super Bowl era history.
By Karan Meyer ·
The Minnesota Vikings lost 19-15 to the Detroit Lions on Sunday.
The defeat eliminated the final undefeated team in the National Football League for the 2026 season.
This result preserves the legacy of the 1972 Miami Dolphins, who remain the only team in the Super Bowl era to finish a season and postseason without a loss.
The Dolphins completed that historic campaign with a 17-0 record before winning Super Bowl VII.
Larry Csonka, a member of that 1972 squad and Pro Football Hall of Famer, reacted to the Vikings' loss on social media.
Csonka posted a photograph of himself raising a glass while holding a cigar and wearing his Super Bowl ring.
"CONGRATS to the #DetroitLions on the Win and a game well played today," Csonka wrote in the caption.
He added, "CHEERS to all my '72 undefeated teammates and #MiamiDolphin fans on our now 54 year record!"
The fullback has previously marked this milestone when other undefeated seasons ended.
In 2024, Csonka shared a similar image after the Kansas City Chiefs lost in Week 11.
Csonka played a central role in Miami's 1972 success.
He led the team with 1,117 rushing yards and six touchdowns during the regular season and playoffs combined, a figure second only to the team's leading scorer that year, which was second most on the Dolphins. In Super Bowl VII, he gained 119 yards on the ground, including a 49-yard run. The closest any team has come to breaking the Dolphins' record was the 2007 New England Patriots, who reached Super Bowl XLII at 18-0 before losing to the New York Giants.
Source: ESPN
