Even from the beginning it seemed destined that football would become Larry Csonka's life. He came wailing into the world on December 25, 1946 in Stow, Ohio a husky 9 pound 13 ounce Christmas gift to his parents and a future generation of football fans. By age 16, he already stood 6'3" and weighed 237 pounds.
Csonka gained numerous honors playing for the Stow Bulldogs before going on to star as an All-American fullback at Syracuse University. He set numerous records with the Orangemen and was selected for the East-West Game, the Hula Bowl and the former All-Star NFL Game. He was selected MVP in each of those games. While at Syracuse, Csonka broke the rushing records of Jim Brown, Ernie Davis, Floyd Little and Jim Nance.
In 1968, Csonka was the
Miami Dolphins' first round draft pick. Csonka and power running became
synonymous in the NFL. He charged so tenaciously through defenses that his name
became a household word and his nickname, Zonk, became a new American verb. From
1971-1973, he led the Dolphins to three Super Bowl appearances, earning All-Pro
and Pro Bowl honors along the way. He and halfback Jim Kiick were affectionately
known as "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," and were mainstays in the
Dolphins' perfect 17-0-0 season in 1972. Csonka earned the MVP award of the
Dolphins' Super Bowl VIII victory over the Minnesota Vikings by rushing 33 times
for 145 yards and two touchdowns. In 1973, he was voted Super Athlete of the
Year by the Professional Football Writers Association.
After a contract dispute in 1974, Csonka, Kiick and teammate Paul Warfield signed with the World Football League. In 1976 Csonka returned to the NFL, this time signing with the New York Giants for three seasons from 1976-1978. He returned to the Dolphins in 1979 leading the team in rushing with 837 yards and was named MVP by Dolphins teammates. He ended his professional career in Miami and retired in January 1980. His
career rushing record for the Dolphins of 6,736 yards still stands.
Csonka's career rushing total of more than 8,000 yards places him among the Top 20 leading runners in NFL history. His importance to the game of football was exemplified when he was elected to the Professional Football Hall of Fame in 1987. His inclusion in that prestigious group came in only his second year of eligibility.
Larry has continued to work in the "public eye" as host of
the original popular competition series, American Gladiators from 1990-1993 and
most currently hosts and produces the outdoor adventure program, "NAPA's North
to Alaska" which airs on the VERSUS network (formerly Outdoor Life Network)
Saturday's at 12:30pm EST.
This program showcases
Larry's experience as a fisherman and hunter and his enthusiasm for outdoor
sports and conservation.
Csonka also travels the country visiting various clubs and corporations as a Sports
Humor/Motivational Speaker, operating within his own company known as Csonka Promotions, Inc.
His speeches are laced with humor and dramatic personal experiences, and have been well received by some of the nation's top companies.
Csonka currently resides in
Anchorage, AK. He also maintains a farm in Lisbon, Ohio where he has
constructed Csonka's Country Night Spot & Outdoor Entertainment Complex. In
Florida, Larry maintains the Goodrich Seafood House in Oak Hill where guides
depart daily with clients fishing the famous Mosquito Lagoon. His other hobbies
include operating heavy machinery, fishing and hunting.
After a contract dispute in 1974, Csonka, Kiick and teammate Paul Warfield signed with the World Football League. In 1976 Csonka returned to the NFL, this time signing with the New York Giants for three seasons from 1976-1978. He returned to the Dolphins in 1979 leading the team in rushing with 837 yards and was named MVP by Dolphins teammates. He ended his professional career in Miami and retired in January 1980. His