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Joe Auer, who scored the first touchdown in Miami Dolphins history, dies at 77

Joe Auer, who scored the first touchdown in Miami Dolphins history, died Saturday.

The Dolphins announced news of Auer’s death Monday. He was 77.

Auer was a local standout for the Dolphins in the franchise’s inaugural 1966 season. He attended Coral Gables Senior High School before attending Georgia Tech. A running back, Auer played on the Dolphins’ first season in the American Football League following two years with the Buffalo Bills.

He immediately etched his name into franchise lore. On the first play of Miami’s first game, Auer returned the opening kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown at the Miami Orange Bowl.