Eugene “Mercury” Morris

Eugene “Mercury” Morris, who played for the undefeated Miami Dolphins of 1972 as part of a star-studded backfield and helped the team win two Super Bowl titles, has died, the team announced Sunday.

Morris, who was selected to the Pro Bowl three times, was 77. His family said in a statement that his “talent and passion left an indelible mark on the sport.”

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

Morris was the starting halfback and one of three starting quarterbacks used by Dolphins coach Don Shula in Miami’s back-to-back title seasons in 1972 and 1973, along with Pro Football Hall of Famer Larry Csonka and Jim Kiick. Morris led the Dolphins in rushing touchdowns both seasons, finishing with an NFL-high 12 touchdowns and 10 more in 1973.

“Morris left a lasting impression with his dynamic play, personality and record-breaking performances,” the Dolphins said in a statement Sunday. “He loved the Dolphins, the fans and the South Florida community and will forever be remembered as one of the greatest players to ever wear the teal and orange jerseys.”

Those 1972 and 1973 seasons – the best in Dolphins history – also happened to be the best of Morris’ eight-year career. In 1972, he rushed for 1,000 yards, a career high, and the following season, he ran for another 954 yards and a league-best 6.4 yards per carry.

Morris wasted no time making an impression with the Dolphins. In his first game as a rookie in 1969 against Cincinnati, he ran a kickoff 105 yards for a touchdown. That remains the most in team history, and his three kick return touchdowns and 26.5 yards per return average are also team records.

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