Sept. 22 (UPI) — Eugene “Mercury” Morris, a three-time Pro Bowl running back and two-time Super Bowl champion, including the Miami Dolphins‘ undefeated 1972 NFL season, died Saturday night at 77, his family said Sunday morning.
“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 GhostWridah, a Miami-based musical artist born Troy-Jeffery Morris, posted on X.
“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.”
The Dolphins confirmed his death, writing: “Morris left a lasting impact through his dynamic play, personality and record-breaking performance. He loved the Dolphins, the fans and the community of South Florida and will forever be remembered as one of the greatest players to don aqua and orange.”
Morris played seven seasons for the Dolphins from 1969 through 1975, rushing 754 times for 3,877 yards (5.1 per carry) and 29 touchdowns. He also caught 46 passes for 491 yards.
He was a member of the 1972 Dolphins, who capped a 17-0 season with a 14-7 victory over Washington in Super Bowl VII.
In 1972, he rushed for an even 1,000 yards as he and Larry Csonka became the first teammates in NFL history to run for 1,000 yards in the same season.
Morris again teamed with backfield mates Csonka and Jim Kiick to also win Super Bowl VII under coach Don Shula. The Dolphins beat the Minnesota Vikings 24-7.
“Speed is what I came with,” Morris told the Miami Herald. “I loved playing with Jim and Larry because we won. It was only about winning. My breakout started halfway through the season in ’72; I scored five touchdowns in two games against the Bills and Jets in the middle of the season.”
He told the Palm Beach Post: “I played on the best team ever. We had some of the best players from 1971-74, we had the best record in history those four years,”
On special teams, he averaged 26.5 yards and scored three touchdowns on 111 career kickoff returns.
He finished his career in 1976 playing season for the San Diego Chargers.
He was named All-Pro from 1971-73.
In 1982, Morris was convicted of cocaine trafficking and sentenced to 20 years in prison with a mandatory 15-year term. In 1986, his conviction was overturned by the Florida Supreme Court because evidence to prove his entrapment defense had been excluded under a mistaken characterization as hearsay.
He agreed to a plea bargain to cocaine conspiracy. He was released from prison in 1986, serving 3 1/2 years.
Morris became a motivational speaker and bragged about the undefeated season. He coined the term “Perfectville.”
Morris is the 22nd player from the 1972 team who has died, according to the Miami Herald.
In 1969, the Dolphins selected him in the third round of 1969 AFL-NFL Common Draft from West Texas A&M.
He was born Jan. 5, 1947, in Pittsburgh.
