Fansided

30 best nicknames in NFL history

By Jarrett Bailey

PITTSBURGH - NOVEMBER 28: Jerome Bettis #36 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs against the Washington Redskins on November 28, 2004 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers defeated the Redskins 16-7.(Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH - NOVEMBER 28: Jerome Bettis #36 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs against the Washington Redskins on November 28, 2004 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers defeated the Redskins 16-7.(Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
27 of 30
Next
LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 14: Mercury Morris
LOS ANGELES, CA – JANUARY 14: Mercury Morris /

27. Eugene “Mercury” Morris

Mercury Morris was a member of one of the best backfields in NFL history. Along with Larry Csonka and Jim Kick, the Dolphins had a backfield trio that carried them to a perfect season in 1972, and multiple long playoff runs.

Morris was a Pro Bowler in 1971, serving as part of the backfield trio in Miami, as well as the Dolphins kick returner. In the 1972 season, Miami relied even more on their run game after Bob Griese went down with injury. Morris ran for 1,000 yards and led the NFL with 12 touchdowns. The Dolphins ran the table in ‘72 and defeated Washington in the Super Bowl. In 1973, Morris repeated as a Pro Bowler for the third consecutive season, rushing for 954 yards and 10 touchdowns.

The Dolphins of the early 1970s were built off of their great running game. They fielded the best running back trio of the decade. Quite frankly, they are the best running back trio of all time, and Morris was an integral part of their success and winning two Super Bowls. Csonka is the guy who gets the most attention and made it to the Hall of Fame, but Kick and Morris elevated the offense to new heights.

Home/NFL