Rest In Power: Notable Black Folks Who We’ve Lost In 2024

September 23, 2024 4

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UPDATED: 9:00 a.m. ET., September 22nd, 2024

As we’ve come to understand year after year, day after day even, death is unfortunately an inevitable part of life. Still, as much of a fact as that may be, the blow of experiencing loss never gets any easier, nor does reporting on the subject in Black culture.

NFL legend Eugene “Mercury” Morris has passed away at the age of 77, as announced by his family on social media.

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Drafted in the third round of the 1969 AFL-NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins, Morris initially played as a backup running back and kick returner. However, his talent soon became evident, and by the early 1970s, he was an integral part of the Dolphins’ offense. Teaming up with Larry Csonka and Jim Kiick, Morris’ speed and knack for breaking long runs made him a crucial player.

Morris was a key figure in the Dolphins’ historic 1972 season, where the team went undefeated and won the Super Bowl against the Washington Redskins (now Commanders). That year, Morris and Csonka became the first teammates in NFL history to each rush for over 1,000 yards in a single season. After his successful stint with the Dolphins, Morris briefly played for the San Diego Chargers in 1976 before retiring. He finished his career with 4,133 rushing yards, 31 rushing touchdowns, and 3,118 return yards.

Morris’ contributions to the game were recognized with three Pro Bowl selections (1971, 1972, and 1973) and his induction into the Dolphins Walk of Fame in 2013.

Morris is survived by his children Geno, Maceo, Tiffany, Troy, and Elliott, and his siblings Cynthia Valerie, and Janice.