Bill Arnsparger, the Miami Dolphins defensive coordinator of the "No-Name Defense” in the 1970s and "Killer B’s” defense of the 1980s, was nominated for a career achievement award given to NFL assistants.
Arnsparger, who died in 2015, is one of eight nominees for the Paul “Dr. Z” Zimmerman award for lifetime achievement given by the Pro Football Writers Association.
During training camp in 1972, Arnsparger lost so many defensive linemen to injuries he created the "53 Defense.” The defense, named for No. 53, Bob Matheson, effectively introduced the four-linebacker concept — that had been utilized in college football — to the pro game.