1 week Ago
Eugene "Mercury" Morris, a star running back from the undefeated 1972 Miami Dolphins, died Saturday night at age 77. His family announced the news Sunday morning, celebrating the "indelible mark" the three-time Pro Bowler left behind in a statement posted on social media. "Beyond the field, Mercury was a devoted father, a loving brother, a loyal friend, and a pillar in the community," his family wrote.
"His presence extended far beyond football, as he touched the lives of many throughout his time in Miami." ESPN's Jeremy Schapp remembered Morris by sharing tidbits from an E60 interview with him about the 1972 Dolphins. Schapp's former colleague, Ed Werder, responded by mourning the loss.
"I grew up on South Florida on Dolphins football and marveled at Mercury Morris and what he could do in the backfield," Werder wrote . Icon Sportswire/Getty Images In 1972, Morris ran for 1,000 yards and 12 touchdowns in 14 victories. He added 182 more postseason rushing yards to help the Dolphins achieve immortality as the only NFL team to go unbeaten during the Super Bowl era.
The former third-round pick averaged 6.4 yards per carry and scored 10 touchdowns the following season. Miami lost two games that year, but Morris led the organization to its second straight championship.
Morris tallied 4,368 scrimmage yards in seven seasons with Miami before concluding his NFL career with the San Diego Chargers in 1976. He later served three years of an overturned conviction on cocaine trafficking charges before becoming a motivational speaker encouraging others to avoid drugs. Our condolences go out to Morris' loved ones for their loss.
.
