Even from the beginning it seemed destined that football would become Larry Csonka's life. He came wailing into the world on December 25, 1946 in Stow, Ohio a husky 9 pound 13 ounce Christmas gift to his parents and a future generation of football fans. By age 16, he already stood 6'3" and weighed 237 pounds.
Csonka gained numerous honors playing for the Stow Bulldogs before going on to star as an All-American fullback at Syracuse University. He set numerous records with the Orangemen and was selected for the East-West Game, the Hula Bowl and the former All-Star NFL Game. He was selected MVP in each of those games. While at Syracuse, Csonka broke the rushing records of Jim Brown, Ernie Davis, Floyd Little and Jim Nance.
In 1968, Csonka was the Miami Dolphins' first round draft pick. Csonka and power running became synonymous in the NFL. He charged so tenaciously through defenses that his name became a household word and his nickname, Zonk, became a new American verb. From 1971-1973, he led the Dolphins to three Super Bowl appearances, earning All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors along the way. He and halfback Jim Kiick were affectionately known as "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid," and were mainstays in the Dolphins' perfect 17-0-0 season in 1972. Csonka earned the MVP award of the Dolphins' Super Bowl VIII victory over the Minnesota Vikings by rushing 33 times for 145 yards and two touchdowns. In 1973, he was voted Super Athlete of the Year by the Professional Football Writers Association.
After a contract dispute in 1974, Csonka, Kiick and teammate Paul Warfield signed with the World Football League. In 1976 Csonka returned to the NFL, this time signing with the New York Giants for three seasons from 1976-1978. He returned to the Dolphins in 1979 leading the team in rushing with 837 yards and was named MVP by Dolphins teammates. He ended his professional career in Miami and retired in January 1980. His career rushing record for the Dolphins of 6,737 yards still stands.
Csonka’s importance to the game of football was exemplified when he was elected to the Professional Football Hall of Fame in 1987. His inclusion in that prestigious group came in only his second year of eligibility.
Larry has continued to work in the "public eye" through national commercial ads including the popular Miller Lite commercials of the late 80’s, numerous celebrity guest appearances on outdoor shows and host of the original popular competition series, American Gladiators from 1990-1993. He currently hosts and produces the outdoor adventure program, "NAPA's North to Alaska" which airs on the VERSUS Network Sunday’s @ 10:30A,EST. This program showcases the Last Frontier and Larry’s enthusiasm for outdoor sports and conservation.
Csonka also travels the country visiting various clubs and corporations as a Sports Humor/Motivational Speaker, operating within his own company known as Csonka Promotions, Inc. His speeches are laced with humor and dramatic personal experiences, and have been well received by some of the nation's top companies.
Csonka is a Alaska resident. He and long time partner, Audrey Bradshaw, also maintain a home in Florida and a farm in Ohio. In Florida, Larry maintains the Goodrich Seafood House where guides depart daily with clients fishing the famous Mosquito Lagoon for redfish and trout. Other interest include travel, working outdoors on his Ohio farm, old pickup trucks and working with their yellow lab, Lace.
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