While the NFL is often dominated by towering giants who clash like modern-day gladiators, one player stood out not for his size but for his skill and story—Garo Yepremian. A Cyprus-born figure who rose to fame by defying the odds, Yepremian is the very embodiment of the American Dream and excellence in sports. Born on June 2, 1944, in the small village of Larnaca, Cyprus, Garo Yepremian embarked on a journey that would see him transition from soccer to football—a move that unwittingly placed him in the annals of NFL history. His journey to Miami brought him to the attention of the Miami Dolphins in the early 1970s, where his skill as a placekicker became legendary. In 1972, Yepremian’s moment of glory—and infamous blunder—came during Super Bowl VII when the Dolphins faced the Washington Redskins. Although little needs to be said about his baffling and slapstick-like blunder, it was his otherwise unrivaled kicking performance that secured Miami’s victory, and more importantly, the only perfect season in NFL history. His prowess on the field, mixed with occasional human errors, made him relatable and grounded, enhancing his reputation among teammates and fans alike.
1. Overcoming Adversity with the Can-Do Spirit
Garo Yepremian’s life wasn’t a gilded path; his journey was emblazoned with challenges. Moving to the U.S. as an immigrant, he navigated unfamiliar terrains from soccer to American football—an unexplored territory that he conquered with aplomb. Yepremian embodies the pure essence of overcoming adversity, shedding light on what can be achieved when determination trumps hesitation. To foreigners and natives alike, he served as a reminder that the U.S. is the land of equal opportunity, and with hard work, dreams can be converted into reality.
2. A Skillset That Kicked the Competition Aside
Let’s not forget that when it came to field goals, Garo was a precision machine. Despite his small stature, his legs delivered kicks that turned numbers on the scoreboard in favor of his team. In the 1970 and 1971 AFC Championships, Yepremian's kicking made him indispensable to the Dolphins. Losing him would have been akin to losing a vital chess piece on the board of football. His five seasons with the team were packed with clutch performances that made a concrete argument for his place as one of the best kickers the Dolphins—and the NFL—ever saw.
3. An Iconic Error That Turned Into an Enduring Laughter
Not all heroes wear capes, and not all errors destroy reputations—Garo Yepremian’s infamous blunder during Super Bowl VII added a human dimension to the otherwise robotic precision of sports. With the Dolphins leading 14-0, Yepremian attempted a field goal that was blocked. Attempting to pass the ball, he fumbled, allowing a Redskins player to score. While critics saw it as a personal failure, others recognized it as an emblematic moment. It’s not about the mistakes we make, but how we bounce back that defines one’s character. And Yepremian showcased resilience that transcended the field.
4. Standing Tall in a Sport Dominated by Giants
The average size of NFL players has grown more intimidating over the years, rendering Yepremian’s achievements more remarkable. At 5’8”, he obliterated expectations, challenging the narrative that only those blessed with imposing physicality could excel. He proved that skill and strategy could overthrow size, sparking a revolution in the perception of the sport. Yepremian was David in a world full of Goliaths, with feet as his slingshot.
5. Legacy Molded in Grace and Resolve
While some players revel in the spotlight of their mega contracts and controversial tweets, Garo kept his focus on sportsmanship and skill. He wasn’t just playing for himself but represented a tapestry of cultures and backgrounds. Domino after domino, he expanded the meaning of football to include diverse faces and voices—traits that are indisputably conservative at heart.
6. An Inspiration Not Only in Sports but in Life
Yepremian’s career extended beyond the football field. After retiring, he dedicated considerable time to philanthropy, establishing the Garo Yepremian Foundation to support brain tumor research and cancer patients. This altruistic gesture was an extension of his personal life, as Yepremian endured the loss of family members to cancer, including his eventual own battle—having succumbed to illness in 2015.
7. Making the Hall of Fame—A Testament to His Prowess
A sports personality who bucked trends and disrupted norms, Yepremian was inducted into the Miami Dolphins Honor Roll in 1996. Despite not being enshrined in the Professional Football Hall of Fame, his legacy, encapsulated in both victories and errors, remains unfading. His achievements offer undeniable evidence of why hard work and persistence can indeed cement one in the pantheon of greats.
8. More Than Just a Player—An Unmatched Legacy
Though Yepremian left the field for the last time in 1981, his influence echoes in every kick, pass, and play that takes the field today. His story is a testament to tenacity, serving as a blueprint for those seeking to carve out their own success, no matter the size or shape of the opposition. Yepremian dared to stand in the crossfire of public opinion and professional sport, and he emerged victorious.
Garo Yepremian’s life wasn’t defined by just a 42-yard field goal attempt, but rather by the numerous setbacks he encountered and conquered. His existence was a clarion call to the world to embrace risk, and to proudly celebrate each achievement—small or big—with gratitude and grit.