Miami Dolphins legend Mercury Morris passes away

Mercury Morris, Pro Bowl running back and two-time Super Bowl champion, passed away Saturday night.

The Miami Dolphins lost a legend on Saturday night. According to a post from his family, Mercury Morris, a three-time Pro Bowl running back for the Dolphins in the 1970s, passed away. Morris was 77.

The release from the family read:

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. 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 incredible mark on the sport, and his three Pro Bowl selections only solidified his place among football’s greats.

Beyond the field, Mercury was a devoted 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.

Survived by his children Geno, Maceo, Tiffany, Troy, and Elliott, and his siblings Cynthia, Valerie, and Janice, Mercury’s legacy is carried on by those who knew and loved him most.

We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all those who had the honor of knowing him. His legacy will continue to inspire future generations, both in the game of football and in life.

The family kindly requests privacy during this difficult time.

Morris spent seven seasons with the Dolphins, arriving in 1969 as a third-round draft pick out of West Texas A&M. He appeared in 86 games, starting 42 of them, with 3,877 rushing yards and 29 touchdowns over that span. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1971, 1972, and 1973. As part of a three-headed monster in the backfield along with fullback Larry Csonka and halfback Jim Kiick, Morris was the spark that kept the team moving forward, turning their loss in the 1971 Super Bowl into the Perfect Season in 1972 and a repeat Super Bowl championship in 1973. During the 1972 season, Morris reached the 1,000-yard mark, making Miami the first team in league history to have two running backs, along with Csonka, to reach the milestone in the same season.

He played his final year in 1976 with the San Diego Chargers, adding 256 yards and two touchdowns to his career totals.

Rest in peace, Mercury.

Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images for Reebok