Larry Csonka talks aging, family, and Don Shula's leadership | Out to Pasture

Larry Csonka is a two-time Super Bowl champion, the MVP of Super Bowl VIII, a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and regarded as one of the most physical players in NFL history. The former Miami Dolphins fullback is also an active 77-year-old who lives life to the fullest.
In this first episode of the Out to Pasture podcast with Bo & Joe, Larry joins Kim Bokamper and Joe Rose for an insightful conversation covering everything from remaining active while aging, to reaching a time in his life where he is losing close friends, the importance of family, and the demanding leadership of iconic football legend Don Shula.
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#LarryCsonka
#KimBokamper
#JoeRose
#MiamiDolphins
#ProFootballHallofFame
#football
#aging

[@jimpern]

As a 71-year-old Dolphin fan since 1968, I loved hearing this. May all of us continue to live long, fruitful lives.

[@OutToPasturePodcast]

Thanks, Jim! We love READING this comment. You are exactly who this show was created for.

[@andyandres5695]

One of the best podcast I have ever seen! I am 71 and I know about aches and pains but I keep going and make myself exercise.......

[@OutToPasturePodcast]

Thank you, Andy! Can't tell you how happy this makes us to read your feedback. Keep it going for sure...and we've got plenty of great guests on the way that are speaking to guys like us.

[@timmccarthy5782]

Thanks for the inspirational speech . I’m turning 70 in a few months , and I needed it .

[@OutToPasturePodcast]

LOVE this and please accept our early birthday wishes (sounds like you and Bo are the same age!)

[@DexterHaven]

I know a aging athlete who's 63 and is the same way. He's been on crutches or in bed for three weeks now for going crazy on the leg machines in the gym as if he thought he was 30. It's called severe 'patella tendonitis' and little quad tears. Healing is slow at 63.

[@billkearney691]

Best 31 minutes I’ll spend today. As long time Dolphins fan who saw all three of you play in person, enjoyed hearing all these old stories, please keep them coming. Especially enjoyed hearing the way you speak of Shula with great reverence. Currently reading Zonk’s book, and glad to see you doing so well

[@OutToPasturePodcast]

Love this! Thanks for the support.

[@waynenoll1967]

I met coach Shula in the Nashville airport on New Year’s Eve afternoon after Minnesota had defeated Alabama in the Music City Bowl in 2004. I had actually ducked into the restroom to get away from an Alabama fan, who was telling me all about everything, lol. Anyway, as I was drying my hands a guy who was decked out in Bama gear was saying something to me about Shula, and I’m like “Ya,, ya, someone else told me that he was in the airport”, When the little old man who had been peeing next to me said, “Do you really think he’ll be here?! “ It was Don Shula! He thought it was funny as hell that we were talking about him. He was on my same flight to Atlanta and walked all the way through the airport with me, talking like we were old friends. What a nice guy. He could have just blown me off and not been bothered. But instead he was a very personable gentleman who took time for just a regular guy and for a few minutes we were just two guys at the airport walking to our flight.

[@OutToPasturePodcast]

Awesome story!

[@ThePerfectSeason1972]

Larry Csonka even survived a harrowing sea rescue! True story! Great person!

[@johnonusic3546]

Iam from.Stow Ohio ,Larry's home town.He's not only the GOAT fullback of all time.He was and is my greatest hero of all time! Thank You Larry,Hondo from Stow

[@michaeltimothy70]

My first game my dad took me to was the 72 dolphins v giants at yankee stadium. It was awesome. I was a huge dolphin fan and just seein czonka warfield play has been a great memory for a lifetime. Keep going guys. Love the show.

[@OutToPasturePodcast]

Love the memory and appreciate the kind words!

[@ronaldziegler1537]

After a home game in 69 even before Shula Larry drove by us in his little car around bird road I will never forget it

[@anthonybrooks5040]

Great podcast guys! Larry Csonka was the very first player I emulated. I enjoyed dragging people along with me as I carried the ball! And the two of you were very active participants in the absolutely best game I ever saw back in January of '82! Thanks to all of you for the greatness you brought to this great game!

[@OutToPasturePodcast]

Thanks for the kind words and for supporting the show!

[@MARYBLEUZ]

I had the pleasure of meeting Bob Kutchenberg before he passed. Was able to spend over an hour talking football with him. He had so many awesome things to say about his teammates, especially Csonka. Being a huge Fin fan who went to almost every 72 game with my Dad, this was awesome. There are so many stories, I'll never forget. Have a pic with his 72 Superbowl ring, too!! Great podcast guys.

[@OutToPasturePodcast]

Awesome stuff! Kuech was a special guy, for sure. Appreciate you checking out the show.

[@woodyhayes7402]

My Uncle was a Capt. with Broward County Sheriff’s Office. He said he went into a bar/restaurant and saw and met Kim eating. He only said you should have seen the wings on that guy. I assume he was referring to Kim’s Lats. Thanks for the podcast.

[@DrummerDanVa]

Saw Larry play for Syracuse against Pitt in the 60's. Great player and who is still a vital human being.

[@1ZZ1_1ZZ1]

Csonka remains my favorite player of all time.

[@OutToPasturePodcast]

You're not alone!

[@surfshack2]

Thank for this podcast. Much respect. Larry was awesome. He must’ve had other defenses hating to have to line up against him. When I see the Csonk now in highlight films , he looks like a white and turquoise colored rhinoceros stampeding down the field. It’s crazy.

[@OceanBreezeDetail]

Nothing but the best for both of you felllas! The best from milpitas! 🔥🔥🔥

[@OutToPasturePodcast]

You know it! Thank you!!

[@jimmyjames2903]

Larry zonk is a very very intelligent man 🙏🙏🙏

[@OutToPasturePodcast]

He absolutely is!

[@josephwhitelock7340]

Saw Tommy Smith (Larry’s back up) at my high school reunion…he was in better shape then anybody at the reunion

[@tekzar76]

My favorite player, I am 65 and enjoyed your podcast! Zonk never gets old with his stories and drive for life. Meet him in 1972 but really met him in 1980 after his last season as a Dolphin. It was at the Miami Herald annual luncheon where he spoke. As an employee it was amazing, I asked him why he had a cast on his hand. He said he broke on his tractor on his Ohio farm and many other stories heard in this podcast. Sadly we had no cell phones or otherwise that would have been a treasured picture. Good luck guys on your podcats.

[@frankienewman9664]

I absolutely loved this show!! Can’t wait for more. Larry Csonka is a national treasure. I hope you guys have him on frequently. Joe and Kim did a wonderful job!! My favorite podcast now.

[@OutToPasturePodcast]

Thank you, Frankie! Have you had a chance to check out our conversations with Stan Van Gundy or Johnny Bench?

[@peteralmazan7034]

This was a real jewel. Priceless!

[@OutToPasturePodcast]

Thank you!

[@RVBOOS]

I'm very proud to have the Czonk 39 autographed HOF jersey on my wall. And, at 57, I see I have lots of fun to come!

[@OutToPasturePodcast]

Amazing! That's a special piece for sure. Have you checked out our conversations with Stan Van Gundy or Johnny Bench yet?

[@PraiseYah56]

This should be watched in current locker room

[@OutToPasturePodcast]

AGREED

[@cheaplaughkennedy2318]

Clint Eastwood- Don’t let the old man in 👍

[@dolfandon7124]

Awesome to see Bo & Joe on the air and one of my all time heroes Larry Csonka! As a kid when we'd play football, we'd always pick a player to mimic and many times I would say "I'm Csonka" lol. As a more and more youth challenged person now, I can fully attest to the benefits of getting a brisk walk in every day and doing a few curls for the girls. Also recommend taking a furry friend and go 3 to 5 miles early. Looking forward to more shows and a winning season!

[@OutToPasturePodcast]

Great suggestions! We love that "youth challenged" term. Might have to borrow that one!

[@flspan]

Hey- this is good. Love this talk. Good job.

[@OutToPasturePodcast]

Thanks!

[@bradmichaels5897]

Hey guys! Great show. Love all the stories. Csonka is one of the great storytellers. Hope you have some plans to get Larry Little on as well. He’s got some good ones, too.

[@OutToPasturePodcast]

Thank you! Can't wait to spend some time with "Chicken"!

[@jimmyjames2903]

I have your book Larry I love it I love the part where y'all go play pool with Elvis

[@KennyLauderdale]

Cool interview

[@OutToPasturePodcast]

Thanks, Kenny! Plenty more where this came from.

[@scotthauver9992]

Thanks guys, I needed this today. Inspired me to go downstairs, hit the weights and get the work in.

[@OutToPasturePodcast]

Great to hear, Scott. Hope you made that happen yesterday. And what about today? Do we have a streak???

[@ThePerfectSeason1972]

Players today are cuddled and babied! Old school football players were by far better than today’s, when it comes to heart, toughness and conditioning!

[@eddieadams4451]

Great show Joe and Bo, love the stories and appreciate the words of wisdom. Always awesome to hear from Zonk. Looking forward to future episodes.

[@OutToPasturePodcast]

Thanks, Eddie! Plenty more to come.

[@paulcosta8930]

Csonka use to hit take that first hit and just keep going. He was like a tank.

[@georgecurnow1166]

Thank you for the awesome interview guys! Can't wait to see who you guys have on next. I'm sharing with friends and family.

[@OutToPasturePodcast]

Thanks, George! They won't always be Miami Dolphins, but we can assure you that they will always be interesting.

[@billsbangers3251]

Great show. Great guest. Great format. Very cool, fellas

[@OutToPasturePodcast]

Thanks, Bill! They won't always be Dolphins - or even sports for that matter - but we hope to still achieve that great label across the board!

[@whittling]

Love this! I've subscribed and shared the link on the Miami Dolphins Reddit group.👍

[@OutToPasturePodcast]

Thank you so much!

[@whittling]

@@OutToPasturePodcast My pleasure! Great episode, I really enjoyed the stories and how much fun the guys were having talking about the old days!

[@enriquesacasa5669]

Great job, gentlemen!

[@OutToPasturePodcast]

Thank you!

[@Paul-gd2lp]

Legends all - Zonk was my childhood hero😃

[@OutToPasturePodcast]

Ours too!

[@Rk-bd2ez]

I remember Larry played for the NY Giants. There was a game at the end of 1977 played at Giants Stadium. It was against the Bears. The Giants were playing the role of spoiler. Trying to stop the Bears from going to the playoffs and preventing Walter Payton from getting the season rushing record. It was sleet and snow the entire game. The field was covered with ice and slush . Very windy too.The game went into sudden death. Almost 75 minutes with the Bears winning but Payton falling short of the record. Larry wore a short sleeve Jersey . He took some brutal hits but he certainly delivered a lot himself.One tough man!

[@OutToPasturePodcast]

Wow! Very cool memory. We don't talk much about Larry's time with the Giants, lol. But that had to be epic.

[@brandedmcgowan9414]

Csonk was an excellent co-host for the American Gladiators with Mike Adamle!

[@DexterHaven]

Czonk, you can use the line Phyllis Diller used... "No two parts of my body are the same age."

[@scottyjoe22]

Miami Dolphins #1

[@ThePerfectSeason1972]

Great Dolphins !

[@jameshayden3952]

Czonk is the reason Shula couldn't commit to Marino and the change to the passing era.

[@anthonytaylor7928]

First of all Larry was long gone when they got Marino and shula did commit to passing when they got Marino

[@IAAP.]

Marino started setting passing records his 2nd year. That's all Miami did while Marino was there. Throw. Did you actually watch football then?

[@richardbartley2584]

You 2 look pretty good for whatever age you are

[@OutToPasturePodcast]

69 (Bo) and 66 (Joe) - thank you very much!

[@Billfish57]

I have only one photo of a sports hero on my wall, #39 Larry Csonka. I have only one Football jersey in my entire life, #13......Jake Scott.

[@LIBlurr]

Shula was the Goat only 2 losing seasons out of thirty something. And if he didn’t lose Csonka & Warfield to the USFL probably wins 3 straight Super Bowls !

[@mactownsend2890]

Hi guys. Can you get Jimmy Cefalo on as a guest? Thanks

[@OutToPasturePodcast]

Great suggestion!

[@chuckincharlo]

69 isn't really that old in the 21 st century...more 60 and 70 year olds are very active...there are more centenarians than ever before!

[@joekowalski182]

72 dolphins were good competition was terrible back then . This day and age that dolphins team wouldn't win 5 games

[@woodyhayes7402]

Yeah, they’d probably win 14 a season nowadays

[@scoo637]

Washington Redskins should of beat them 1973 Super Bowl but QB Jurgensen was injured.