Mercury Morris, member of Dolphins’ 1972 Super Bowl champion team, dies at 77

Eugene “Mercury” Morris, a celebrated former running back for the Miami Dolphins, passed away on Saturday night at the age of 77. His family announced the news on Sunday morning, with his son, Troy-Jeffery Morris, sharing the heartfelt message on social media.

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Eugene ‘Mercury’ Morris, legendary Miami Dolphins running back and cherished member of the NFL family,” his son wrote on X. “Known for his electrifying speed and dynamic play, Morris was a cornerstone of the Dolphins’ historic 1972 undefeated season and a two-time Super Bowl champion.”

Morris’s contributions to the sport are undeniable, as he garnered three Pro Bowl selections during his career, solidifying his position among football’s greats. The Dolphins organization also confirmed his passing, remembering him as a player whose dynamic play and vibrant personality left a lasting impact on the sport. They recognized his love for the team and the South Florida community, stating he will always be remembered as one of the greatest players to wear the team’s colors.

During his career with the Dolphins, which spanned from 1969 to 1975, Morris made significant statistical contributions. He rushed 754 times for 3,877 yards, averaging 5.1 yards per carry, and scored 29 touchdowns. Additionally, he made 46 receptions that totaled 491 yards.

Morris played a pivotal role in the Dolphins’ 1972 season, when the team achieved a perfect record of 17-0, culminating in a Super Bowl VII victory against the Washington Redskins with a score of 14-7. Notably, in 1972, Morris reached a milestone, rushing for 1,000 yards in a single season alongside his teammate, Larry Csonka, making them the first pair of teammates in NFL history to accomplish this feat in the same season.

He was instrumental in the Dolphins’ victory in Super Bowl VIII against the Minnesota Vikings, contributing to the team’s legacy under coach Don Shula. Morris once shared, “Speed is what I came with. I loved playing with Jim and Larry because we won. It was only about winning.” He recounted his breakout performance halfway through the 1972 season, where he scored five touchdowns in just two games against the Buffalo Bills and the New York Jets.

Morris took pride in being part of the best team ever, as he expressed in an interview. He emphasized the exceptional players he competed alongside from 1971 to 1974, asserting the team’s remarkable record during those years.

In addition to his running back duties, Morris showcased his skills on special teams, averaging 26.5 yards on kickoff returns and scoring three touchdowns throughout his career. He concluded his playing days in 1976 with the San Diego Chargers.

In recognition of his on-field achievements, Morris was named an All-Pro from 1971 to 1973. However, his life faced significant challenges when he was convicted of cocaine trafficking in 1982 and sentenced to 20 years in prison. His conviction was later overturned by the Florida Supreme Court in 1986, and he ultimately entered into a plea deal for cocaine conspiracy, serving approximately 3 1/2 years in total.

After his release, Morris became a motivational speaker and embraced his legacy from the undefeated season, coining the term “Perfectville” to celebrate the Dolphins’ historic achievement. He is remembered as the 22nd player from the 1972 Dolphins team to pass away.

Morris was initially selected by the Dolphins in the third round of the 1969 AFL-NFL Common Draft, coming from West Texas A&M University. He was born on January 5, 1947, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and he leaves behind a rich legacy as one of football’s greatest running backs.