Eric Laakso, a tackle who spent seven seasons with the Dolphins and appeared in two Super Bowls, has died. The team made an official announcement regarding Laasko’s passing earlier today.
Laakso, 54, arrived via round four of the 1978 draft. He appeared in 86 games with 61 starts, including 48 in a row. He appeared in eight playoff games, with seven starts.
The Tulane product’s first career start came during a 1978 playoff game against the Oilers.
“I was saddened to learn about the passing of Eric Laakso, who left us at far too early an age,” former teammate and current Dolphins Vice President/Special Advisor Nat Moore said. “Early in his career he played with some of the great linemen from the Dolphins’ two world championship teams such as Bob Kuechenberg, Jim Langer and Larry Little, and then bridged the gap to play on an offensive line with Dwight Stephenson, Ed Newman, Jon Giesler and others who helped lead Miami back to two more Super Bowls. He was an inspirational player who was always viewed as a team leader. He will be missed by his teammates, and on behalf of the Dolphin organization I want to express my condolences to his family.”
Laakso’s funeral will be held on December 29. Our condolences go out to Laakso’s family, friends, and former teammates.
