Jake Scott

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Scott's professional journey began in 1969 with the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League, where he played as a flanker and kick returner. He was then selected by the Miami Dolphins in the 1970 NFL draft (seventh round, 159th overall). His rookie year saw five interceptions and a punt return touchdown. The following season, he recorded seven interceptions and 318 punt return yards, helping the team reach Super Bowl VI, where they lost to the Dallas Cowboys but Scott recorded a 21-yard punt return. Scott became a pivotal figure in the 1972 undefeated season. In Super Bowl VII against the Washington Redskins, he recorded two interceptions, including one in the fourth quarter, earning MVP honors in the 14–7 victory. He followed this by helping the Dolphins secure their second consecutive title in Super Bowl VIII with a 24–7 win, during which he recovered two fumbles. Scott established a unique record as the first player to recover both his own team's and an opponent's fumble in a single Super Bowl game. Over six seasons with Miami, he recorded 35 interceptions, remaining the franchise's all-time leader in that category.

In Their Own Story

In the late 1980s, NFL Films recognized Scott as the Dolphins All-Time Neutralizer, sponsored by Tums, highlighting his impact on the game. Despite a falling out with head coach Don Shula that led to his trade to the Washington Redskins for his final three career years, the two eventually reconciled. Scott later attended his Miami Dolphins Honor Roll enshrinement in 2010 alongside Bill Stanfill and was introduced during Super Bowl 50 festivities. Scott's career statistics include 49 total interceptions (35 with Miami, 14 with Washington) and 13 fumble recoveries. He led the NFL in punt return yards in 1971 with 318 and finished his career with 1,357 punt return yards. A private individual who shunned the spotlight, he lived in the Colorado mountains, Florida Keys, and later Hanalei on Kauai. Scott died at age 75 on November 19, 2020, after falling down a flight of steps in Atlanta, Georgia. Posthumously, it was revealed he was diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE).

Reader's Guide

Jake Scott's college career at the University of Georgia set the stage for his professional success, where he led the team in interceptions in both 1967 and 1968. His ten interceptions in 1968 remain second-most in school history behind Terry Hoage. He was named first-team All-SEC defensive back by the Associated Press in 1967 and by both AP and UPI in 1968. Scott held the Georgia record for career interception return yards (315) until 2017. Drafted out of college after his junior year, he briefly played in Canada before joining the NFL. His five consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 1971 to 1975 underscored his dominance. Scott wore number 13 throughout his career, a number later made famous by Dan Marino and retired in Marino's honor. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2011, the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 1986, and the Miami Dolphins Honor Roll in 2010. His legacy includes being one of only three living Super Bowl MVPs who did not attend Super Bowl XL.

Did You Know?

• Jake Scott is the only player to recover both his own team's fumble and an opponent's fumble in a single Super Bowl game.
• He remains the Miami Dolphins all-time leader in interceptions with 35.
• Scott was selected for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame on May 17, 2011.
• His jersey number 13 was later retired by the Miami Dolphins in honor of Dan Marino.
• Scott died at age 75 after falling down a flight of steps while visiting friends in Atlanta.