Mercury Morris Dead at 77… Dolphins Legendary Running Back
Eugene “Mercury” Morris, the dynamic Miami Dolphins running back and two-time Super Bowl winner, has died at age 77, his family announced Sunday. Morris was unforgettable on the football field for his blinding speed and breakaway moves as part of the Miami Dolphins undefeated season in 1972 which has stood solo to this day after 47 years.
Family Statement and Legacy
Morris’ son Troy-Jeffery mourned the passing of his father in a social media update, urging for privacy during this difficult family time. ”It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Eugene ‚Mercury’ Morris, a beloved Miami Dolphins running back and trusted member of the NFL family,” a statement said. The clip ended by celebrating Morris as a tremendous football player who made three Pro Bowls, is described as “fully committed to his teammates” and honored for being a loving father, brother, and friend.
Star of the Miami Dolphins Undefeated Season
In 1969, the Miami Dolphins selected Morris in the third round of the same draft out of West Texas A&M. He was a Pro Bowl player in the 1971 season and took his game to even greater heights in 1972, as he played on the only unbeaten NFL team.
That season, Morris rushed for 1,000 yards and paced the league with 12 rushing touchdowns in the same season that he became one half of the NFL’s first 1,000-yard twin terrors along with Larry Csonka. He was instrumental for the Dolphins victory in Super Bowl VII, during their historic 17–0 season.
Speed and Power Built a Career
Morris was famous for his speed, and he played for the Dolphins from 1969-75 before concluding his career with the San Diego Chargers in 1976. Over Garrett’s career, he has 4,133 rushing yards and 31 rushing touchdowns at a pace of 5.1 yards per carry. A three-time Pro Bowler and one of the most feared running backs in his day.
Morris was a two-way player early in his career, also featuring as a running back until adding versatility when needed on special teams.
Openmouthed and In Praise of The Dolphins Of Our Lives
The Dolphins legend was a staunch supporter of Miami’s unbeaten season — in radio and the public record — even after his playing days. Morris explained as much when he was asked in 2007, and the New England Patriots threatened to break the Dolphins record on their way to an 18-0 start, what Miami’s enduring legacy would be if there were no longer any teams that were able to say they let lose a game during an entire season.
A Life Beyond
Morris was so much more than just a star on the field, he was a cornerstone in his community and an exceptional father, brother, and friend. He was touched the lives of many in the Miami area and beyond with his work, both on and off the field.
His former Dolphins teammate, Larry Csonka, said he was “bummed out,” adding that “It’s a very sad day for me and our Dolphins family.” Csonka, Morris and fellow running back Jim Kiick combined to form one of the scariest backfields in NFL history.
It Unearthably was a legend.
A Miami Dolphins legend as one of the best running backs in franchise history and memorable character out of one of the NFL’s most famous seasons, Mercury Morris. His remarkable speed, hard-hitting play and incredible commitment to his community serve as an inspiration for generations yet to come. His legacy, however, will persist as an indelible part of NFL history even if the football world–amidst mourning his absence–continues to process the untimely passing.