Former Cardinals guard Dobler dies at age of 72

Legendary Arizona Cardinals guard Conrad Dobler, known as the NFL’s dirtiest player during his era, died at the age of 72 on Monday, the team announced.

Our hearts go out to the family, friends and former teammates of Conrad Dobler. pic.twitter.com/yzO57UzHls

— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) February 13, 2023

No cause of death was given.

Dobler was infamously regarded as the league’s dirtiest player in the game during his time, a title he did not shy away from, as he told Sports Illustrated in a 1977 article, “I’ll do anything I can get away with to protect my quarterback.”

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Super Sky Point to Conrad Dobler, who won his battles in the trenches by any means necessary back when football was as much war as sport. Just tweeted about him three days ago and it will be far from the last time. One of the most expert practitioners of gridiron badassery. #RIP pic.twitter.com/vWHqdp2H7q

— Super 70s Sports (@Super70sSports) February 14, 2023

Over a 10-year NFL career, Dobler embraced his role as protector, joining forces with the likes of future Hall of Famer Dan Dierdorf to form one of the best offensive lines in history on the “Cardiac Cardinals.”

In 1975, they surrendered just eight sacks — then a league record — with Dobler embracing the task of keeping QB Jim Hart upright, no matter the means.