Larry Seiple

From neighborhood pickup games in the streets of Allentown, Pennsylvania, to packed stadiums on college Saturdays and NFL Sundays, Larry Seiple’s life in football has always been defined by versatility. Those qualities would carry him from a standout college career to a long, impactful tenure in the NFL, and eventually, to a respected place on the sidelines as a coach.

Seiple starred at William Allen High School in Allentown, where his all-around athleticism quickly set him apart. Whether returning punts, hauling in passes, or flipping field position with booming kicks, Seiple’s instinct for the game was undeniable. That talent earned him a scholarship to the University of Kentucky, where he would leave a lasting mark.

A dynamic triple-threat athlete, he served as a wide receiver, punter, and return specialist for the Wildcats, becoming one of the most productive and dependable players in the SEC. He led the team in receiving in multiple seasons and still ranks among Kentucky’s all-time leaders in punt average. His memorable 70-yard punt return against Ole Miss in 1965 stands as one of the iconic moments in program history. Seiple graduated with a degree in education.

Undrafted in 1967, Seiple signed with the Miami Dolphins, where he would become a key figure on one of the NFL’s most legendary and iconic teams. Over eleven seasons with the Dolphins, Seiple played multiple roles, primarily as a punter and occasional receiver. His most legendary play came in the 1972 AFC Championship Game, when on a critical fourth down, he took off on a surprise run for 37 yards, helping preserve the Dolphins’ perfect season. Miami would go on to win Super Bowl VII and repeat as champions in Super Bowl VIII. Miami would finish the1972 season as the NFL’s last undefeated team.

Seiple retired in 1977, but his passion for the game never left. He transitioned into coaching, where he spent over a decade on the sidelines as an NFL assistant, including with the Dolphins, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions. His insight into special teams and offensive play helped shape the next generation of pros.

Though he stepped away from coaching in the early 2000s, Larry Seiple remains a beloved figure in the football world, remembered for his reliability, selflessness, and knack for delivering in the biggest moments. He and his wife have long been active in their community, and Seiple continues to be a source of encouragement to young athletes and coaches who follow in his footsteps.

Images from Miami Dolphins and Florida Atlantic University. Biography by Grace Frericks.