Eugene “Mercury” Morris, a Super Bowl champion with the undefeated 1972 Miami Dolphins, has died at age 77, the team announced Sunday.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dolphins great Mercury Morris, a two-time Super Bowl champion and beloved member of the 1972 Perfect Team,” the Dolphins said in a statement. “Morris left a lasting impact with his dynamic play, personality and record-breaking performances.”
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dolphins great Mercury Morris. pic.twitter.com/V2t8SFNVvf
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) September 22, 2024
Morris had an eight-year career with the Dolphins, rushing for a career-high 1,000 yards in 1972 and another 954 the following season. According to He helped the Dolphins win two Super Bowl titles during his time with the team, according to the Associated Press.
“Off the field, Mercury was a devoted father, loving brother, loyal friend and pillar of his community,” his family wrote in the letter. statement“His presence went far beyond football and he impacted so many lives during his time at Miami.”
“This is a very sad day for me and the Dolphins family,” said Larry Csonka, Morris' former teammate. Written About X. (RELATED: Former Super Bowl winning linebacker Allen Aldridge dies at 52)
As a rookie in 1969, Morris ran a kickoff 105 yards for a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals, the longest run in franchise history, according to the Associated Press.
MIAMI, FL – circa 1973: Miami Dolphins running back Mercury Morris (No. 22) watches the game from the bench during an NFL football game at the Orange Bowl in Miami, Fla. Morris played for the Dolphins from 1969 to 1975. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
After his football career ended, Morris faced personal struggles: He was convicted of cocaine trafficking in 1982 and sentenced to 20 years in prison, according to the Associated Press.
He resisted conviction and admitted to using cocaine (sometimes to cope with previous injuries) but never sold drugs. After his conviction was overturned in 1986, he became a motivational speaker, advising others to avoid drugs.
“Was I bitter? No,” Morris wrote in his 1998 book, “Against The Grain,” according to the Associated Press. “I wouldn't recommend three days in detention to anyone, much less three years. But I can honestly say that I had to go through what I did in order to develop the character I had when I got free.”
Morris is survived by his children Geno, Meiko, Tiffany, Troy and Elliot, and his siblings Cynthia, Valerie and Janice.
