Legend Mercury Morris passes away at 77

Mercury Morris, a name that once rang out across football fields and living rooms, has died at 77. His family shared the news, asking for privacy as they cope with the loss of a man who left an imprint both on and off the field.

“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 Troy-Jeffery wrote. “His talent and passion left an indelible mark on the sport.”

For those who watched him play, Morris was pure energy. He ran with a burst that was impossible to miss, and that speed earned him a place at the heart of the Dolphins’ perfect season in 1972. That year, the Dolphins went undefeated and won it all, becoming the only NFL team to pull off such a feat, and Morris played a crucial role in making that history.

Drafted out of West Texas A&M in 1969, he took a little time to find his groove. But by 1971, he was heading to the Pro Bowl, and the following year, he led the league with 12 rushing touchdowns. For the first and only time in his career, he cracked the 1,000-yard mark that season. He and his backfield partner, Larry Csonka, became the first pair of running backs to each run for over 1,000 yards in the same year. That kind of production is still rare in today’s NFL.

It wasn’t just numbers, though. Morris had a certain flair, the kind of electricity that made every play seem like it might be the one to break the game wide open. You could see it in the way he moved, cutting through defenders like they weren’t even there. There was a confidence about him - almost as if he knew, deep down, that greatness was coming for him.

But his impact wasn’t confined to the game. Long after he hung up his cleats, Morris was a presence in the Miami community, known for his warmth and dedication to those around him. “Beyond the field, Mercury was a devoted father, a loving brother, a loyal friend, and a pillar in the community,” his family wrote.

After his Miami days, Morris played one more season with the San Diego Chargers before calling it a career in 1976. In his prime, he was part of two Super Bowl-winning teams, and though his career numbers may not match up to the giants of the game, his place in NFL history is secure.

He is survived by five children, but in truth, his legacy extends much further. Mercury Morris will be remembered not just for what he did with a football in his hands, but for the way he carried himself through life.