Mercury Morris, a speedy running back who played for eight seasons in the NFL and was an integral player for the only undefeated team in NFL history, the 1972 Miami Dolphins, has passed away at 77.

Alongside his fellow backs, Larry Csonka and Jim Kiick, Morris helped guide the Dolphins to consecutive Super Bowl victories under the leadership of coach Don Shula in 1972 and 1973.

Drafted in the third round of the 1969 NFL draft from West Texas A&M, Morris initially started as a kick returner, topping the NFL in kickoff return yards during his rookie year, which included a remarkable 105-yard touchdown return.

He went on to become a versatile change-of-pace back for Miami, providing a different dynamic from the powerful Csonka. Morris earned his first Pro Bowl selection in 1971, a feat he would achieve three times in a row.

Morris’ most notable season was during the Dolphins’ flawless 1972 season, where he rushed for exactly 1,000 yards, making history alongside Csonka as the first teammates in NFL history to both achieve 1,000 rushing yards within the same season. That year, he led the league with 12 rushing touchdowns as the Dolphins capped off their historic 17-0 season with a 14-7 win over Washington in Super Bowl 7.

In 1973, Morris rushed for 954 yards, averaging an impressive 6.4 yards per carry, earning another Pro Bowl selection, while the Dolphins clinched their second Super Bowl title in a row.

He spent the final season of his career in 1976 with the San Diego Chargers, wrapping up his tenure with a total of 4,133 rushing yards and 35 total touchdowns, which included 31 rushing, one receiving, and three kickoff return touchdowns.

Post-retirement, Morris became a prominent figure among the undefeated Dolphins during their annual celebrations, coining the term “Perfectville” to embody their unique legacy. He was also a passionate advocate for the greatness of their achievements when compared to later dominant NFL teams.

“I was part of the greatest team ever,” Morris once stated to The Palm Beach Post. “Between 1971 and 1974, we had the best record in history during those four years.

“We dominated the football landscape.”