Entertainment
Legendary Super Bowl Champion Passes Away At 77
Mercury Morris, a running back and kick returner for the legendary Miami Dolphins’ undefeated NFL championship season in 1972, passed away at the age of 77 on Sunday.
“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, at the age of 77,” his son, Miami-based musical artist Troy-Jeffrey Morris, announced in an X post. “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 talent and passion left an indelible mark on the sport, and his three Pro Bowl selections only solidified his place among football’s greats.
“Beyond the field, Mercury was a dedicated father, a loving brother, a loyal friend, and a pillar in the community. His presence extended far beyond football, as he touched the lives of many throughout his time in Miami.”
Last night, my father @MercuryMorris22 passed away. 💔🐬🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/2QARscMcOg
— GhostWridah (@GhostWridah) September 22, 2024
Morris was selected in the third round of the 1969 NFL draft after playing college football for Texas A&M. He played almost all of his career with the Miami Dolphins from 1969-1975 before wrapping up his career with a one-season stint in San Diego.
With the Dolphins, Morris formed part of what is widely viewed as one of the best backfields in NFL history alongside Larry Csonka and Jim Kiick. Morris was selected for three Pro Bowls and won two Super Bowl championships with Miami, including the team’s undefeated season in 1972, which has yet to be topped.
In the undefeated season, Morris rushed for exactly 1,000 yards and scored a league-leading 12 rushing touchdowns. Morris and the Dolphins would go on to repeat their championship in 1973.
Csonka also ran for more than 1,000 yards in 1972, which made the Dolphins the first team in NFL history to have two 1,000-yard rushers on the same team. “It’s a very sad day for me and our Dolphin family. #NeverForget #22 #72Dolphins #Perfectville,” Csonka wrote in an X post on Sunday.
RIP Mercury Morris 🙏🏻
The #Dolphins Electric Running Back
Highlights from his 1973 season.
In 1972, Merc and fullback Larry Csonka became the first pair of teammates in #NFL history to each rush for 1,000 yards in the same season.pic.twitter.com/65gDnTrkzI
— Kevin Gallagher (@KevG163) September 22, 2024
Morris is survived by five children — Geno, Maceo, Tiffany, Troy and Elliott — and three siblings, according to the family’s statement.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dolphins great Mercury Morris, two-time Super Bowl champion and beloved member of the 1972 Perfect Team,” the Dolphins said in a statement of their own. “Morris left a lasting impact through 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