Eugene “Mercury” Morris died at the age of 77

AMARILLO, Texas (KFDA) – Former West Texas State running back Eugene “Mercury” Morris died Saturday at the age of 77.

The Pittsburgh native played at West Texas State, now known as West Texas A&M, from 1965 to 1969.

Morris was an All-American in 1967 and 1968.

In 1968, he set several college records, including one for most rushing yards in a game (340 yards), most rushing yards in a season (1,571 yards), and most rushing yards in his three eligible seasons (3,388 yards).

Morris was selected in the third round of the 1969 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins, for whom he played until 1975.

He left the Dolphins as a two-time Super Bowl winner and was part of the 1972 undefeated team.

He played one year for the San Diego Chargers in 1976 and then retired from the NFL.

No cause of death was announced.

All rights reserved.