Former Dolphins running back Eugene Morris dies at age 77

Eugene Morris (Facebook)

According to Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press , former National Football League running back Eugene Morris of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania passed away on Saturday at the age of 77. Morris spent seven seasons with the Miami Dolphins from 1969 to 1975, and an additional season with the San Diego Chargers in 1976.

Morris played 99 games and had 804 rushes for 4133 rushing yards and 31 rushing touchdowns. He added 54 catches for 543 receiving yards and one touchdown catch. The touchdown catch came in a 24-3 Dolphins win over the Cincinnati Bengals on December 2, 1974. Morris had a four yard touchdown catch from Bob Griese of Evansville, Indiana in the first quarter that opened the scoring.

Nicknamed “Mercury,” Morris was selected to the Pro Bowl three straight seasons from 1971 to 1973. In 1972, he led the NFL with 12 rushing touchdowns, and in 1973, led the NFL with 6.4 rushing yards per game.

Morris was also a two-time Super Bowl champion. He had 10 rushes for 34 rushing yards and two catches for 33 receiving yards in a 14-7 Dolphins win over the Washington Redskins in Super Bowl VII from Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on January 14, 1973. This was part of the Dolphins undefeated season coached by the late Don Shula. Then Morris was part of the Dolphins team that defended the Super Bowl title on January 13, 1974. He had 11 rushes for 34 rushing yards in a 24-7 Dolphins win over the Miami Dolphins at Rice Stadium in Houston, Texas.

A product of West Texas A&M, Morris was considered the second best college running back in his era. He was only behind the late OJ Simpson.

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