Mercury Morris, Dolphins Legend, Passes Away at 77

MIAMI – Eugene Mercury Morris, a standout running back for the 1972 Miami Dolphins, has died at the age of 77, the team announced on Sunday.

Morris, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, was celebrated for his exceptional talent and impact on the sport. His family stated, “His talent and passion left an indelible mark on the sport,” as reported by the Associated Press.

As the starting halfback, Morris was instrumental in the Dolphins’ back-to-back championship titles in 1972 and 1973, leading the team in rushing touchdowns with an impressive 12 in 1972 and 22 in 1973. He played for the Dolphins from 1969 to 1975, contributing significantly to one of the league’s most formidable running games.

The Miami Herald noted his “speed, elusiveness, and reliable production” during his tenure with the team. “Known for his electrifying speed and dynamic play, Mercury was a cornerstone of the Dolphins’ historic 1972 undefeated season and a two-time Super Bowl champion,” his family added.

Beyond his on-field achievements, Morris was described as a devoted father, loving brother, loyal friend, and a community pillar. The Dolphins organization expressed their condolences, stating, “He loved the Dolphins, the fans, and the community of South Florida and will forever be remembered as one of the greatest players to don the aqua and orange.”

Reflecting on his career, Morris remarked in 2008 about the influence of coach Don Shula, saying, “We were middle-class people and middle-class fans, and Shula was a blue-collar worker. His work ethic taught us that hard work pays off.”

Morris took great pride in being part of the first—and still only—undefeated and untied team in NFL history, achieving a perfect season in 1972.

After retiring from football, Morris faced personal challenges, including a 20-year prison sentence stemming from a 1982 cocaine trafficking conviction. He maintained that he used cocaine to cope with lingering injuries but never sold the drug. His conviction was overturned by the Florida Supreme Court in 1986, after which he became a motivational speaker, advocating against drug use.

In his 1998 memoir, “Against The Grain,” Morris reflected, “I would not recommend three days in jail to anyone, much less three years. But I must be honest: I needed to go through what I did to develop the character I had when I became a free man.”

Morris was inducted into the Dolphins’ Walk of Fame in 2013 and ranks fourth on the team’s all-time rushing list, amassing 3,877 yards, trailing only Larry Csonka, Ricky Williams, and Ronnie Brown.

Dolphins all-time leading rusher Larry Csonka expressed his sorrow, stating, “It’s a very sad day for me and our Dolphin family.”