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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Barry Werner

Miami Dolphins star running back Mercury Morris dies at 77

One of the great players in Miami Dolphins history, Eugene “Mercury” Morris has died at the age of 77.

His family released a statement:

“Beyond the field, Mercury was a devoted father, a loving brother, a loyal friend, and a pillar in the community,” his family wrote in a statement. “His presence extended far beyond football, as he touched the lives of many throughout his time in Miami.”

Morris was the starting halfback Don Shula utilized in Miami’s back-to-back title seasons of 1972 and 1973. Morris led the Dolphins in rushing touchdowns in both of those seasons, finishing with an NFL-best 12 in 1972 and then 10 more in 1973.

Those two seasons — the best in Dolphins’ history — were the best of Morris’ eight-year career. He rushed for a career-high 1,000 yards in 1972, then ran for 954 more along with a league-best 6.4 yards per carry the following season.

Overall, Morris rushed for 4,133 yards in his NFL career.

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