HJR164 Summary

• Mourns the death of John Michael "Mike" Kolen of Birmingham, Alabama, who passed away on April 3, 2024, at age 76.

• Recognizes Kolen's football career at Auburn University (1967-1969) where he earned All-SEC honors as a junior and senior, was named Second-team All-American in 1969, and was nicknamed "Captain Crunch" for his hard-hitting defensive style.

• Honors his professional career with the Miami Dolphins (1970-1977) where he played eight seasons under Coach Don Shula and was part of the 1972 undefeated Super Bowl Champion team, the only undefeated Super Bowl champion in NFL history; he appeared in three consecutive Super Bowls (1972, 1973, 1974) and won in 1972 and 1973.

• Notes his post-NFL business success in real estate, ownership of the Montgomery Athletic Club, founding of Kolen Financial Team, authorship of "The Greatest Team: A Playbook for Champions," and induction into Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 1985.

• Survived by two children (Kelly and John) and five grandchildren; predeceased by his wife of 45 years, Nancy Kolen.