Mercury Morris, ‘perfect’ 1972 Dolphins running back, dies at 77

Eugene “Mercury” Morris, a dynamic running back known for his speed and agility, has passed away at the age of 77. Morris was a vital member of the 1972 Miami Dolphins, the only team in NFL history to complete a season undefeated.

During his time with the Dolphins, Morris formed a formidable trio alongside fellow backs Larry Csonka and Jim Kiick. Under the leadership of coach Don Shula, the team achieved remarkable success, winning back-to-back Super Bowls in 1972 and 1973.

Morris entered the NFL as a third-round draft pick in 1969, chosen from West Texas A&M. He quickly made his mark as a kick returner, leading the league in kickoff return yardage during his rookie season. Notably, he returned a kickoff for a 105-yard touchdown, showcasing his explosive capabilities.

As a member of the Dolphins, Morris often played as a change-of-pace back, providing a contrasting style to Csonka’s more physical approach. His performance earned him his first Pro Bowl selection in 1971, setting the stage for further achievements in his career.

The pinnacle of Morris’ career came during the Dolphins’ flawless 1972 season. He rushed for precisely 1,000 yards, making history alongside Csonka as the first teammates in NFL history to each surpass the 1,000-yard mark in the same season. Additionally, he led the league with 12 rushing touchdowns, and the Dolphins capped off their remarkable 17-0 season with a 14-7 victory over the Washington Redskins in Super Bowl 7.

In 1973, Morris continued to shine, rushing for 954 yards at an impressive 6.4 yards per carry. His outstanding performance earned him another Pro Bowl selection, contributing to the Dolphins’ second consecutive Super Bowl victory.

Morris concluded his NFL career with the San Diego Chargers in 1976. By the end of his playing days, he had accumulated a total of 4,133 rushing yards and 35 total touchdowns—comprising 31 rushing, one receiving, and three on kickoff returns.

Following his retirement from professional football, Morris became a well-known figure among the undefeated Dolphins during their annual reunions. He famously coined the term “Perfectville” to capture the uniqueness of their historic achievement and consistently defended the team’s legacy against comparisons with other dominant NFL squads in subsequent eras.