Jim Jensen Honored With Unsung Hero Award

August 12, 2006-

As perhaps the most versatile player in the National Football League throughout his 12-year career, Jim Jensen’s value to his football team was not lost on his teammates. As a result, the jack-of-all-trades in his era has earned the 2006 Miami Dolphins Unsung Hero Award. Jensen was chosen by vote of the Miami Dolphins Alumni Association from five finalists, which included Oronde Gadsden, O.J. McDuffie, Louis Oliver and Bernie Parmalee. The finalists were determined from a list of 41 nominees by a fan vote on MiamiDolphins.com.

The Unsung Hero Award was established in 2004 to honor a former Dolphins player who might not have received the recognition he deserved during his playing days. Previous winners were Tony Nathan in 2005 and Earl Morrall in 2004.

“The one thing that a lot of people saw was that Jim was very versatile,” said Alumni Association President Larry Seiple, who was a part of the Dolphins coaching staff from 1988-99 after playing for the team from 1966-77. “He was the backup quarterback, he played receiver, running back and even filled in at tight end. He couldn’t settle on one thing so he did a lot of different things and made a lot of big plays. Jim is very deserving of this award.”

From 1981-92, Jensen played every skill position on offense, while also excelling on special teams in multiple roles, including holder and deep snapper. His style of play on those units earned him the nickname “Crash.” The Boston University product ranks ninth all-time in Dolphins history with 2,171 receiving yards. His 12 receptions at New England on November 6, 1988 was a team record that stood until last season.