Former Miami Dolphins Star Mercury Morris Passed Away
He was one of the staunchest guardians of the perfect season and a former two-time Super Bowl champion. The outspoken, straight-shooter lived a colorful life. So it was sad to hear that the former Miami Dolphins star Mercury Morris passed away at 77. He wrote a book about his life covering his football career and the problems he faced after he retired from the game. However, he is most famous for being a member of the 1972 Miami Dolphins squad. That year the Dolphins had the perfect season going 17-0 including the postseason and a victory in Super Bowl VII. They also won Super Bowl VIII the following year.
But Morris wasn’t just along for the ride. He was a talented running back and kickoff returner. During his college career, in 1967, he finished second in the nation to O.J. Simpson of USC in rushing yards with 1,274. He was drafted by Miami in 1969 and was the backup to halfback Jim Kiick and the primary kickoff return man. In 1971 he earned his first Pro Bowl nod as a kick returner, although he also was used as a running back in the game. He was selected again for the Pro Bowl in 1972 and 1973.
By 1973 he had become Miami’s fulltime running back. But prior to that in 1972 Morris and teammate Larry Csonka became the first 1,000 yard tandem in NFL history. Morris played for eight years and finished in the top five of the NFL in rushing touchdowns twice and total touchdowns once. His last season was spent with the San Diego Chargers but he suffered multiple knee injuries and a neck injury. He decided to retire after the season, in part due to lingering difficulties from the neck injury.
Former Miami Dolphins Star Mercury Morris Passed Away
After retirement, according to his book, he went into various business deals, losing much of his capital. The money he did not lose he spent on cocaine, becoming a heavy user. He was convicted in 1982 on cocaine trafficking charges and sentenced to 20 years in prison. Morris said he used the drug to ease the pain of lasting injuries from his playing days but never sold it. The Florida Supreme Court overturned his conviction.
After that he turned his life around. Becoming a motivational speaker warning people about the dangers of drug abuse. But through it all, Morris never let anyone forget about his Miami Dolphins teammates and their perfect season. He wanted everyone one to know about their amazing accomplishment. A feat that has not been repeated to this day. And we’re not likely to forget Mr. Mercury Morris either.
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