Miami Dolphins fans are mourning the loss of Eugene “Mercury” Morris, a key member of the legendary 1972 undefeated Dolphins team, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 77, The Associated Press reports.
The team announced the news, confirming that Morris’ “talent and passion left an indelible mark on the sport.”
Morris, a three-time Pro Bowl selection, was a cornerstone of the Dolphins’ backfield during their back-to-back Super Bowl victories in 1972 and 1973. He formed a formidable trio alongside Hall of Famer Larry Csonka and Jim Kiick, providing Coach Don Shula with a potent offensive weapon.
Morris led the Dolphins in rushing touchdowns in both championship seasons, achieving an NFL-best 12 in 1972 and another 10 in 1973. He also achieved career-high rushing yards of 1,000 in 1972, followed by 954 in 1973, averaging an impressive 6.4 yards per carry in the latter season.
Morris was immensely proud of being part of the 1972 Dolphins, the only team in NFL history to complete an undefeated and untied season. He frequently emphasized that the team didn’t actively root against other teams’ attempts at perfection, but he couldn’t deny the uniqueness of their achievement.
Morris’ career wasn’t without challenges. He faced personal struggles after retirement, including a 20-year prison sentence in 1982 for cocaine trafficking charges. While admitting to cocaine use, he vehemently denied selling the drug, claiming it was a way to cope with numerous lingering injuries. He fought the conviction, which was ultimately overturned by the Florida Supreme Court in 1986. Morris then dedicated himself to motivational speaking, urging others to avoid drug use.
In 2013, Morris was inducted into the Dolphins’ Walk of Fame, cementing his legacy in team history. He remains fourth on the Dolphins’ all-time rushing list with 3,877 yards, trailing only Csonka (6,737), Ricky Williams (6,436), and Ronnie Brown (4,815).
His family described him as “a devoted father, a loving brother, a loyal friend, and a pillar in the community.”.
