Avonworth grad and Miami Dolphins star Eugene “Mercury” Morris, who won two Super Bowls, passed away Sunday at the age of 77, the Dolphins announced Sunday.
A 1965 Avonworth graduate, Morris went on to play collegiate football at West Texas State University from 1965 to 1969 and then went on to an eight-year NFL career, primarily in Miami where he won two Super Bowls, including the perfect 1972 team.
Morris was a part of a dynamic Dolphins backfield that featured Jim Kiick and Larry Csonka. During the only perfect season in NFL history in ’72, Morris ran for 1,000 yards on 190 carries, becoming one-half of the first 1,000-yard tandem in NFL history with Csonka. His 12 touchdowns led the league that season.
In 1973, Morris was the lead halfback for the Dolphins, rushing for 954 yards and 10 touchdowns on the way to his second Super Bowl ring.
On Sunday, Morris’ family released a statement about his life via X:
“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.”
At Avonworth, he was a big-play running back on an Antelopes team that went 4-4-1 and 4-5 during his junior and senior seasons, respectively.
With West Texas State, he was an All-American back in 1967 and 1968. In ’67, he finished with 1,274 yards, placing him second in the nation behind O.J. Simpson of USC.
Morris was a three-time Pro Bowler as he ran for 4,133 total yards and compiled 31 touchdowns across his NFL career. He also added 543 receiving yards and one touchdown reception. He was inducted into the Dolphins Walk of Fame in 2013.
