RIP Earl Morrall
Posted: Fri Apr 25, 2014 2:14 pm
One of the greatest backup quarterbacks in NFL history who helped lead the Miami Dolphins to their unbeaten 17-0 Super Bowl season in 1972. Morrall took over from injured starting quarterback Bob Griese in the fifth game of the season and started 11 straight games. Griese returned when Morrall struggled in the AFC Championship game and then started the Super Bowl. Morrall, however, was AFC Player of the Year that year. Morrall also won a Super Bowl ring the next year as Griese's backup as well.
Earlier in his career, Morrall played for the Baltimore Colts and played the entire regular and post season in 1968, replacing an injured Johnny Unitas, leading to the Colts' historic loss to the New York Jets in Super Bowl III (a game in which Morrall threw a costly interception). Morrall was NFL MVP that season. After the Colts joined the AFC following the AFL-NFL merger, Morrall again replaced an injured Unitas in Super Bowl V and led the team to the winning score.
Morrall also played for San Francisco, Pittsburgh, Detroit, and the New York Giants in his career.
Age 79.
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/10839 ... ll-dies-79
Earlier in his career, Morrall played for the Baltimore Colts and played the entire regular and post season in 1968, replacing an injured Johnny Unitas, leading to the Colts' historic loss to the New York Jets in Super Bowl III (a game in which Morrall threw a costly interception). Morrall was NFL MVP that season. After the Colts joined the AFC following the AFL-NFL merger, Morrall again replaced an injured Unitas in Super Bowl V and led the team to the winning score.
Morrall also played for San Francisco, Pittsburgh, Detroit, and the New York Giants in his career.
Age 79.
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/10839 ... ll-dies-79