Miami Dolphins great Eugene “Mercury” Morris died Saturday night at age 77, his family announced.
Morris was a three-time Pro Bowler during his time with the Dolphins and was part of the legendary 1972 team that went undefeated en route to a win in Super Bowl VII.
On Sunday, the Dolphins released a statement mourning the loss of “one of the greatest players to don the aqua and orange.”
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Dolphins great Mercury Morris. pic.twitter.com/V2t8SFNVvf
— Miami Dolphins (@MiamiDolphins) September 22, 2024
Current Dolphins running back Raheem Mostert also paid tribute to the loss of a Miami great.
Rest in paradise to a true legend Mercury Morris! It was an honor getting to know you as a player and person.
— Raheem Mostert (@RMos_8Ball) September 22, 2024
In recent decades, there’s been a prevailing myth that members of the Dolphins’ 1972 team would meet for a champagne toast each year when the last undefeated team picked up its first loss. Morris dispelled that as untrue in his own social media posts.
I was looking forward to having @CameronNewton in that seat next to me but hey, THERE'S ALWAYS NEXT YEAR. #StillPerfect
— Mercury Morris (@MercuryMorris22) December 27, 2015
And for the record, we DO NOT TOAST every time an unbeaten team loses. There's no champagne in my glass, only Canada Dry Ginger ale! Ha!
— Mercury Morris (@MercuryMorris22) December 27, 2015
So PLEASE STOP with this champagne stuff! Why would I want @CameronNewton to lose? He's having a great season!
— Mercury Morris (@MercuryMorris22) December 27, 2015
Morris finished his eight-year NFL career with 4,133 rushing yards, 543 receiving yards, and 2,947 kick return yards. He scored 35 total touchdowns, including three kick returns in his first three seasons in the league.
