Jake Scott

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Scott's professional journey began unexpectedly in 1969 with the BC Lions in the Canadian Football League, where he played flanker and kick returner. That single season saw him catch 35 passes for 596 yards and three touchdowns while leading the team in kickoff returns. Upon entering the NFL in 1970, he wasted no time, recording five interceptions and a punt return touchdown as a rookie. The following year, his seven interceptions and 318 punt return yards helped guide Miami to Super Bowl VI, where they lost to Dallas despite Scott's 21-yard return. He returned the favor two years later in Super Bowl VII against Washington, securing two interceptions including one in the fourth quarter to seal a 14–7 victory and earn MVP honors. In Super Bowl VIII, he recorded two fumble recoveries, helping secure another title.

In Their Own Story

The defining moments of Scott's career were marked by historic feats in the biggest games. In Super Bowl VII, he became the first player to recover two fumbles in a single game—one from his own team and one from the opponent—a unique record that still stands shared only by him in that specific category. He also set the then-record for most career fumble recoveries in Super Bowls with two. Beyond the championship rings, Scott dominated the 1970s statistically; no player recorded more interceptions than he did during that decade. His versatility shone on special teams as well, leading the NFL in punt return yards in 1971 and finishing his career with a 10.4-yard average per punt return. Despite his fame, Scott remained a private individual who eventually lived in Hanalei, Hawaii, where he passed away at age 75 in 2020 after a fall in Atlanta. His legacy was honored when he and Bill Stanfill were inducted into the Miami Dolphins Honor Roll on November 18, 2010.

Reader's Guide

For fans studying Jake Scott's impact, focus on his dual role as a shutdown safety and a dynamic return specialist. He wore number 13 throughout his career, a number later made famous by Dan Marino and subsequently retired in Marino's honor. His college dominance at Georgia set the stage, where he holds the school record for career interceptions and led the team in that category in both 1967 and 1968. After a falling out with coach Don Shula that kept him away from alumni events for decades, Scott eventually reconciled, attending his Honor Roll enshrinement and Super Bowl 50 before his death. He is remembered not just for the stats, but as one of only three living Super Bowl MVPs who missed Super Bowl XL due to non-attendance.

Did You Know?

• Scott holds the unique distinction of being the only player to recover both a teammate's and an opponent's fumble in the same Super Bowl game.
• He led the NFL in punt return yards during the 1971 season with 318 yards.
• Scott played one season in the CFL for the BC Lions in 1969 before joining the Dolphins, where he caught 35 passes and scored three touchdowns.
• His college record of 315 interception return yards at Georgia stood as a school record until 2017.
• Scott was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame on May 17, 2011.