Eugene “Mercury” Morris, Football legend, passed away. He was 77. Morris helped the Miami Dolphins win two Super Bowl Titles.
His family wrote an official statement and posted it to X.
“His talent and passion left an indelible mark on the sport, and his three Pro Bowl selections only solidified his place among football’s greats.”
“Beyond the field, Mercury was a devoted father, a loving brother, a loyal friend, and a pillar in the community. His presence extended far beyond football, as he touched the lives of many throughout his time in Miami.”
Eugene Edward “Mercury” Morris, born January 5, 1947, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.He was best known for his time as a running back with the Miami Dolphins during the 1970s. He earned his nickname “Mercury” due to his lightning-fast speed and agility, which he showcased on the field.
Morris played college football at West Texas State (now West Texas A&M), where he was a standout player, setting records and attracting attention from professional teams. In 1969, he was drafted by the Miami Dolphins in the third round of the NFL Draft. He initially played as a backup running back and kick returner but soon became an integral part of the Dolphins’ offense.
Last night, my father @MercuryMorris22 passed away. 💔🐬🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/2QARscMcOg
— GhostWridah (@GhostWridah) September 22, 2024
Morris is perhaps best remembered for his contributions to the 1972 Miami Dolphins, the only team in NFL history to complete a perfect season, finishing 17-0 and winning Super Bowl VII. He was part of the Dolphins’ famed rushing attack, sharing carries with fellow running backs Larry Csonka and Jim Kiick. Morris led the team in rushing touchdowns that season, amassing 1,000 rushing yards in a league-dominating offense.
In addition to his success on the field, Morris was a three-time Pro Bowler (1971–1973) and earned All-Pro honors. His quick acceleration and ability to break through defensive lines made him one of the most dangerous runners in the NFL during his peak.
Over his career, Morris accumulated 3,877 rushing yards, placing him fourth on the Dolphins’ all-time rushing list behind Larry Csonka (6,737), Ricky Williams (6,436), and Ronnie Brown (4,815). In 2013, Morris was honored for his contributions to the franchise by being inducted into the Miami Dolphins’ Walk of Fame.
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