Vikings lose, keeping 1972 Dolphins undefeated record intact

Larry Csonka celebrated on social media on Sunday after the Minnesota Vikings lost to the Detroit Lions, a result that preserved the 1972 Miami Dolphins' undefeated record for another season. The former fullback shared an image of himself raising a glass while holding a cigar and wearing his Super Bowl ring.

The Vikings entered Week 8 with a 6-0 record as the final unbeaten team in the league. Their 19-15 defeat means no team will complete an undefeated season in 2026. This outcome extends the Dolphins' streak as the only team in the Super Bowl era to finish a regular season and postseason without a loss.

Csonka was a key player in Miami's 1972 campaign, which ended with a 17-0 record and a victory in Super Bowl VII. He led the team in rushing with 1,117 yards and scored six touchdowns that year. In Super Bowl VII, he rushed for 119 yards, including a 49-yard run.

The New England Patriots came closest to breaking the record in 2007. They entered Super Bowl XLII with an 18-0 record but were defeated by the New York Giants. The Dolphins' mark has now stood for 54 years.

Csonka posted a similar photo in 2024 when the Kansas City Chiefs' undefeated season ended in Week 11. In his post, he congratulated the Detroit Lions on their win and raised a toast to his teammates and Miami fans.

The Dolphins remain the only team in the Super Bowl era to finish a regular season and postseason undefeated. The Vikings' loss ensures that this historical distinction remains exclusive to the 1972 Miami squad.