Leigh, kick returner on perfect '72 Dolphins, dies at 60

ALBANY, N.Y. -- Charlie Leigh, a kick returner on the unbeaten 1972 Miami Dolphins, died of lung cancer at age 60, his family said.

He died Thursday at an Albany hospital.

Leigh, a running back, was with the Dolphins the year they finished 17-0, the only perfect record in NFL history. He won a second Super Bowl with Miami in 1973.

Leigh was primarily a kickoff and punt returner on a Dolphins team that featured Bob Griese, Larry Csonka, Jim Kiick and Mercury Morris.

Raymond Leigh said his older brother didn't talk much about the perfect season, but when he did, "his eyes would light up." Many former teammates called him in recent months, he said.

"He was just so proud of the guys on that team," Leigh said.

Leigh didn't play in college and began in the NFL in 1968 with the Cleveland Browns. He played with Miami from 1971-74 and finished his career with Green Bay that same year. During his career, he ran 72 times for 372 yards and two touchdowns while catching nine passes.

Leigh, who was born in Halifax, Va., worked in construction before retiring last year.

In addition to his brother, he is survived by his wife, three sons and four daughters.

His funeral will be held on Wednesday.