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Mercury Morris, a key player for the undefeated 1972 Miami Dolphins and a pivotal figure in their two Super Bowl victories, has passed away at the age of 77, as confirmed by the team on Sunday.
Recognized as a three-time Pro Bowl selection, Morris’s family stated that his “talent and passion left an indelible mark on the sport.” His contributions to football extended beyond the field, shaping the lives of many in the Miami community.
“Beyond the field, Mercury was a devoted father, a loving brother, a loyal friend, and a pillar in the community,” his family expressed. “His presence extended far beyond football, as he touched the lives of many throughout his time in Miami.”
Reflecting on his time under coach Don Shula, Morris remarked in 2008, “Shula gave everybody a different kind of direction and purpose. We were middle-class people and middle-class fans, and Shula was a blue-collar worker. He had a work ethic that showed us that hard work pays off.” His dedication to the game and his team was evident, as he proudly celebrated the Dolphins’ perfect season.
Morris made it clear that the Dolphins were not wishing ill on teams trying to replicate their success. “For the record, we DO NOT TOAST every time an unbeaten team loses,” he humorously posted on social media in 2015, responding to the Carolina Panthers’ unbeaten streak. “There’s no champagne in my glass, only Canada Dry Ginger ale! Ha!”
His humor shone through even in challenging times. During the Dolphins’ rough 2007 season, Morris quipped, “The Dolphins are not embarrassing me, because our record’s at the top of the heap. That’s not my team. People say, ‘Your team is doing bad.’ I say, ‘My team all has AARP cards.'”
Mercury Morris running against Washington during the final game of the regular season of Miami’s 1972 perfect season. (Photo by Ross Lewis/Getty Images)
Following his football career, Morris faced significant personal challenges, including a 20-year prison sentence stemming from a 1982 conviction for cocaine trafficking. He maintained that he used cocaine to cope with injuries but never sold it. His conviction was eventually overturned by the Florida Supreme Court in 1986, leading him to become a motivational speaker, advocating against drug use.
“Was I bitter? Not really,” Morris reflected in his 1998 book “Against The Grain.” He acknowledged the difficulties he faced but emphasized the growth he experienced through those challenges.
In 2013, Morris was honored with a place in the Dolphins’ Walk of Fame. He ranks fourth on the team’s all-time rushing list, with 3,877 yards, trailing only legends like Larry Csonka, Ricky Williams, and Ronnie Brown.
