Syracuse, N.Y. -- Former Syracuse football star Larry Csonka says Don Shula is the one reason the Miami Dolphins became the only NFL team ever to complete an unbeaten season in 1972.  The legendary coach died at his home Monday at the age of 90.

Csonka, who still ranks fourth in SU history in rushing yards, played six seasons for Shula and was part of the Super Bowl champion teams of 1972 and 1973.  He told the NFL Network Monday that the league's all-time winningest coach was "hell to play for".

The 73-year old Csonka currently lives with his longtime partner, Audrey Bradshaw, in Wasilla, Alaska, and also owns and runs a farm in his homestate of Ohio.