A former running back who caught the first-ever touchdown pass thrown by Hall of Fame quarterback Bob Griese in the pros passed away Aug. 5, 2026, in the Toledo suburb of Waterville, Ohio. Sammy Price, who spent three years with Miami from 1966 through 1968, was 82 years old. Authorities did not reveal what caused his death.

Price’s connection to one of football’s all-time greats secured his place in franchise lore, even though his time in the league was brief. The historic reception happened during a 1967 clash with Denver in the third week of the season, when the rookie signal-caller found Price for a 27-yard scoring strike that launched what would become a legendary career.

College Glory at Illinois

Before joining the Miami Dolphins, Price was a three-time letterman at the University of Illinois under head coach Pete Elliott. His varsity debut came in 1963, when the Illini captured the Big Ten championship and went on to defeat Washington 17-7 in the Rose Bowl, marking one of the program’s most celebrated periods.

In 1965, Price participated in a memorable upset when Illinois knocked off No. 6-ranked Purdue. That Purdue roster included Griese, who would later become Price’s teammate in the professional ranks and forge their linked place in football history.

The Journey to Professional Football

The University of Illinois product entered professional football through the 11th round of the 1966 American Football League draft. That same year, the New York Giants also picked him in the NFL draft, presenting him with options. Price chose to sign with the expansion Dolphins franchise, arriving three years before the two leagues completed their merger.

His best professional season came in 1967, when he appeared in nine starting assignments. That year he rushed for 179 yards and recorded both of his career touchdowns — one on the ground and one through the air with the memorable Griese connection.

Career Statistics and Legacy

Across his three campaigns with Miami, Price accumulated 313 rushing yards on 82 attempts with one rushing score. He also contributed 10 catches for 70 yards and the receiving touchdown that came from Griese during their Week 3 meeting with the Broncos.

Mike Pearson, who served as sports information director at Illinois, shared news of the loss on social media. In his statement, Pearson expressed the university’s sadness over the passing of Sam Price, a letterman from the 1960s who competed on three varsity squads and contributed to Elliott’s Big Ten title-winning team of 1963 that triumphed in the 1964 Rose Bowl before going on to an NFL career with Miami.

Though never a star in the traditional sense, Price remained woven into the early narrative of the Dolphins organization. He arrived during the franchise’s infancy, years before the championship dynasty of the 1970s took shape, and his role in Griese’s first professional scoring throw guaranteed his presence in team records for generations to come.