One of the great players in Miami Dolphins history, Eugene “Mercury” Morris has died at the age of 77.
Eugene “Mercury” Morris, who starred for the unbeaten 1972 Miami Dolphins as part of a star-studded backfield and helped the team win two Super Bowl titles, has died, the team said Sunday.https://t.co/d2arvIznyS
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 22, 2024
His family released a statement:
“Beyond the field, Mercury was a devoted father, a loving brother, a loyal friend, and a pillar in the community,” his family wrote in a statement. “His presence extended far beyond football, as he touched the lives of many throughout his time in Miami.”
Morris was the starting halfback Don Shula utilized in Miami’s back-to-back title seasons of 1972 and 1973. Morris led the Dolphins in rushing touchdowns in both of those seasons, finishing with an NFL-best 12 in 1972 and then 10 more in 1973.
Those two seasons — the best in Dolphins’ history — were the best of Morris’ eight-year career. He rushed for a career-high 1,000 yards in 1972, then ran for 954 more along with a league-best 6.4 yards per carry the following season.
Overall, Morris rushed for 4,133 yards in his NFL career.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dolphins great Mercury Morris. pic.twitter.com/V2t8SFNVvf
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) September 22, 2024