Mercury Morris Biography

Eugene Edward "Mercury" Morris, born January 5, 1947, was an American professional football player who played as a running back and kick returner. He played for eight years, primarily for the Miami Dolphins in the American Football League, beginning as a rookie in 1969. Morris attended West Texas State University from 1965 to 1969, earning All-American honors for the Buffaloes at tailback in 1967 and 1968. In 1967, he finished second in the nation to O. J. Simpson in rushing yards, recording 1,274. In 1968, he set collegiate records for a single game with 340 rushing yards, a single season with 1,571, and a three-year career total of 3,388. In 1969, Mercury Morris recorded 43 kickoff returns for 1136 yards, averaging 26.4 yards per return. He earned Super Bowl rings in 1972 and 1973, participating in Super Bowls VII and VIII, and was selected for the Pro Bowl in both seasons.