May 21, 2025 — Miami, FL
Randy Crowder, a former defensive lineman for the Miami Dolphins and a beloved figure in the NFL community, passed away Monday at the age of 70. Crowder, who played six seasons in the NFL during the 1970s, is remembered not only for his tenacity on the field but also for his influence on future generations of players, including his son, Channing Crowder, a former Dolphins linebacker and now prominent sports personality.
Crowder’s death was confirmed by the Dolphins organization Tuesday morning. The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed. A statement from the team lauded Crowder as “a fierce competitor, a respected teammate, and a pillar of the Dolphins family.”
“He was a foundational piece of our defense during a transitional period,” said former Dolphins head coach Don Shula in a statement released posthumously through his estate. “Randy brought strength, resilience, and a sense of accountability that rubbed off on everyone around him.”
Crowder, a standout at Penn State, was drafted by the Dolphins in the sixth round of the 1974 NFL Draft. Despite being a late-round pick, he quickly earned a starting role on the defensive line thanks to his relentless work ethic and high football IQ. Crowder played for the Dolphins from 1974 to 1976 before finishing his career with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1978 to 1980.
Though his NFL tenure was not as lengthy as others, Crowder’s influence extended well beyond the gridiron. After retiring from football, he remained active in player development and community outreach, mentoring young athletes and contributing to youth sports programs across South Florida.
As news of his passing spread, tributes poured in from across the NFL landscape.
“Randy Crowder was more than a player—he was a mentor, a father, and a warrior,” said current Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel. “He helped lay the groundwork for what it meant to be a Dolphin. His family continues to inspire this organization.”
Among those deeply affected by the news is Crowder’s son, Channing, who followed in his father’s footsteps to the NFL and later transitioned into a media career. In a brief statement on his podcast The Pivot, Channing said, “He was my hero. He taught me what it meant to be a man, a professional, and most of all, a father.”
Crowder’s death comes at a time when the NFL is engaged in a broader conversation about evolving offensive schemes and the renewed challenges posed by 12 personnel formations—an alignment featuring one running back and two tight ends. These schemes, long considered staples of traditional offenses, are seeing a resurgence in popularity, testing the mettle of modern defensive linemen and linebackers who must now contend with heavier, more balanced attacks.
Veteran NFL defensive coordinator Vic Fangio drew a connection between the league’s current schematic shifts and Crowder’s era.
“Back then, linemen like Randy Crowder had to battle in the trenches every down, especially against those heavy sets,” Fangio said. “We’re seeing a return to that. Teams are using 12 personnel to dictate tempo and physicality, and it reminds us of the kind of football Randy thrived in.”
Current Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin echoed that sentiment.
“You look at today’s league and how we’re moving back toward power sets—it’s a great moment to remember guys like Randy Crowder who played that brand of football,” Tomlin said. “He was built for that. He could hold his ground against double-teams and still make plays.”
As NFL defenses once again adapt to the power and unpredictability of 12 personnel looks, Crowder’s legacy as a rugged interior defender feels especially poignant. Analysts note that the techniques Crowder mastered—hand placement, leverage, gap control—remain as critical as ever.
Crowder’s life will be celebrated at a public memorial service next week in Fort Lauderdale. The Dolphins have also announced they will wear a helmet decal bearing his initials during their Week 1 game in honor of his contributions to the franchise.
In an era where schemes continue to evolve and the game grows faster and more complex, the passing of Randy Crowder is a sobering reminder of the enduring impact of foundational players. He embodied the grit and character of an NFL lineman, a legacy that continues to shape the trenches today.
