Miami Dolphins legendary running back and two-time Super Bowl champion Mercury Morris died Sunday, the team announced. He was 77.
‘We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dolphins great Mercury Morris, the two-time Super Bowl champion and beloved member of the 1972 Perfect Team,” the Dolphins wrote in a post to X. “Morris left a lasting impact through his dynamic play, personality and record-breaking performances.
“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 the aqua and orange. Our hearts are with his family, loved ones and teammates as they honor his life and mourn his passing,” the statement added.
Morris is best known as the Dolphins’ star running back during its perfect 17-0 season in 1972. The Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, native rushed for 1,000 yards and a league-high 12 touchdowns, along with 15 receptions for 168 yards, to help lead the Dolphins to an undefeated season – the only one in NFL history – capped by a 14-7 win over Washington to win Super Bowl VII.
Morris was drafted by the Dolphins out of West Texas A&M in the third round of the 1969 NFL Draft. He played his first seven seasons with Miami, earning three straight Pro Bowl selections from 1971 to 1973. He led the NFL with 6.4 rushing yards per attempt and 6.6 yards per touch in the 1973 season, when the Dolphins repeated as Super Bowl champs with a 15-2 record and 24-7 win over the Minnesota Vikings in Super Bowl VIII.
After seven seasons with the Dolphins, Morris played one season for the San Diego Chargers in 1976.
Morris finished his eight-year NFL career with 804 carries for 4,133 yards (5.1 yards per attempt) and 31 touchdowns, along with 54 receptions for 543 yards and one touchdown. His 3,877 rushing yards with the Dolphins ranks fourth in franchise history, behind only Ronnie Brown (4,815), Ricky Williams (6,436) and teammate Larry Csonka (6,737). He was inducted into the Dolphins Walk of Fame in 2013.
