Mercury Morris Records

Lore & Background

Morris played eight seasons, primarily for the Miami Dolphins, and was a key part of their Super Bowl VII and VIII victories. He was selected to three Pro Bowls and set collegiate records at West Texas State University, including a single-game rushing record of 340 yards and a single-season record of 1,571 yards. In 1972, he became part of the first 1,000-yard tandem in NFL history with Larry Csonka. After his playing career, he was convicted of drug trafficking, had his conviction overturned, and later became a motivational speaker.

Reader's Guide

Morris was a running back and kick returner, not an offensive lineman. He led the AFL in kickoff returns and yardage as a rookie, and led the NFL in rushing touchdowns in 1972. His career 5.1 yards per carry average ranked among the all-time best for halfbacks. He died on September 21, 2024, at age 77.

Did You Know?

• Morris set an NCAA single-game rushing record of 340 yards in 1968.
• Morris's 105-yard kickoff return in 1969 was the longest in the AFL that season.
• After prison, he appeared in an anti-cocaine public service announcement.