Earl Morrall’s Legacy: Backup Hero, MVP, Champion

Without a doubt quarterback Earl Morrall is one of NFL history’s most interesting anecdotes. A career that spanned 21 years as back-up quarterback. He only had over 100 pass attempts in 8 seasons yet managed to be a major contributor on not 1 but 2 Super Bowl teams. He won an NFL Championship along with the league MVP award in 1968 with Baltimore, though those accomplishments will forever be over-shadowed by the Colts loss to the Jets in Super Bowl III.

Graduating from Michigan State he was a 1st round pick of the San Francisco 49ers in 1956 where he backed up Hall of Famer YA Tittle. After a brief stay in Pittsburgh he spent the next 7 seasons in Detroit where he backed up familiar names like Tobin Rote and Milt Plum. In 1965 he was went to the Giants and had a very productive year. He ended up splitting time with Gary Wood until another future Hall of Famer named Fran Tarkington came to town.

Moving on again in 1968 his next stopping spot would be in Baltimore where he would back-up Colts legend Johnny Unitas. But after a preseason injury to Unitas, Morrall found himself at the reigns of the Colts offense. He responded with an NFL MVP season by leading the league in touchdown passes and leading the Colts to the Super Bowl.

After the loss in Super Bowl III Earl Morrall found himself back on the bench behind Unitas. He played little until the Colts victory in Super Bowl V when Unitas went out with a rib injury in the 2nd quarter. Though his play could hardly be called spectacular, he did guide the Colts to the go-ahead scores in the 4th quarter. The following season of 1971 saw Unitas again hampered by injuries and Morrall starting 9 games. He was credited with 7 victories.

After 17 seasons and 2 Super Bowl appearances, Morrall proved he wasn’t done quite yet. He joined head coach Don Shula in Miami where he was to backup another Hall of Fame quarterback in Bob Griese. When Griese went down with an injury in week 5 against the Chargers he came off the bench, threw 2 touchdowns to win the game and then led the Dolphins to 9 straight victories to close out the 1972 NFL season with a 14-0 record. He started the 2 playoff games as well. Shula made the decision to start Griese in the Super Bowl though. His efforts did get the honor of being recognized as the NFL Comeback Player of the year though. He remained with the Dolphins until 1976. In December of 1975, against the Patriots, he became the oldest quarterback to win a game at the age of 42 (until Doug Flutie).

After finally retiring from the NFL in 1977 he became the quarterback coach at the University of Miami where he coached future NFL stars Vinny Testaverde, Jim Kelly, Bernie Kosar and Mark Richt. He was even the mayor of Davie, Florida. He passed away in 2014.

Earl Morrall Image Gallery

In 1963 Lions quarterback Earl Morrall enjoyed one of his best seasons (numbers-wise) to date with 328 attempts, 174 completions, a 53% completion rate, 2621 passing yards, an 8.0 YPA and 24 TD passes, Unfortunately after all that he had but 4 wins and by 1965 he found himself dealt to the Giants.

Earl Morrall helped spark a turnaround for the New York Giants in 1965, leading the club to a second place finish in the NFL Eastern Division with a 7 7 mark after several disappointing seasons. The veteran quarterback enjoyed one of the finest years of his career yet, establishing himself among the league’s most productive passers. Morrall ranked among the NFL’s Top 10 quarterbacks across the board, finishing third in touchdown passes with 22 while placing fourth in yards per attempt at 8.1. He also ended the season fifth in both passing yards (2,446) and passer rating (86.3), giving the Giants a much needed boost on offense. The Eagle here is Don Hultz. Hultz played 12 years in the league, 10 with Philadelphia.

The Rams Bill Jobko has Lions quarterback Earl Morrall on the run. In 7 seasons (1958-1964) primarily as a backup, Morrall had 26 starts and is credited with 15 wins.

Bob Griese started as the Dolphins quarterback in 1972 but when he was injured in week 5 against the Chargers, Earl Morrall came to the rescue leading the Dolphins to 9 straight wins and 2 playoff victories, but it was Bob Griese that Coach Don Shula elected to go with against the Redskins in Super Bowl VII.

It looks like trouble for the Colts Earl Morrall as Cleveland lineman Jim Kanicki and Walter Johnson appear to have the upper hand against his offensive line of Glenn Ressler (#62), Dan Sullivan (#71) & Dick Szymanski (#52) in 1968. This picture is reportedly from the Colts sole regular-season loss of that year - a 30-20 upset by the Browns.

In week 2 of the 1958 season the Lions sent Detroit fan favorite Bobby Layne to the Steelers for Earl Morrall and 2 future draft picks.

Back-up qb Earl Morrall hands off to fullback Larry Csonka during the Dolphins 1972 season. Morrall had been picked up for $100 by Don Shula when the Colts waived him. When starter Bob Griese went down in week 5 against the Chargers, Morrall responded by quarterbacking Miami to 9 straight regular season and 2 playoff victories. Csonka's 1117 rushing yards (and 5.2 YPC average) ranked 4th in the league.

It looks like only Spider Lockhart stand between Dolphins great Larry Csonka and a big gain as he blasts through the Giants defense, probably in 1972. Giants linebacker Ron Hornsby and Dolphin quarterback Earl Morrall are on the right.

NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 1972 - Dolphin Earl Morrall was the starter for 9 regular season games and 2 playoff games when Bob Griese went down.

Larry Cole of the Dallas Cowboys gets the best of his opponent (Dan Sullivan??) here is Super Bowl V to put some heat on Colts Super-Sub Earl Morrall after Morrall replaced an injured Johnny Unitas. Morrall played well enough to ensure a Colts victory to capture the NFL Title for the 1970 season. #75 is Baltimore guard John Williams.

Cowboys great Chuck Howley gets to Colts quarterback Earl Morrall to disrupt the pass. Howley, after 2 interceptions and a forced fumble was named Super Bowl V MVP. It has been the only time the Super Bowl MVP was named from the losing team.

After spending the previous 7 seasons in Detroit, Earl Morrall joined the Giants in 1965 and had year passing for over 2400 yards and 22 touchdowns while guiding New York to 7 victories. Here he pitches to rookie runner Ernie Koy out of Texas. The Eagle in the center may be linebacker Mike Morgan.

Super-Backup Earl Morrall gives to Dolphin runner Mercury Morris. It was Morrall that replaced an injured Bob Griese in 1972 and led Miami to 9 straight victories to end the season with a 14-0 record. He also started the 2 post-season wins over the Browns and Steelers but start in the Super Bowl.

Giants quarterback Earl Morrall comes under some duress from Bears Dick Evey and Doug Atkins. Morrall spent 3 seasons with the Giants. He was the starter in 1965, won 7 games and threw 22 touchdowns.

Garo Yepremian has just picked up his blocked kick in Super Bowl VII. #77 is lineman Bill Brundige the Redskin that blocked Yepremian's kick.

Miami Dolphins kicker Garo Yepremian watches as his attempted field goal is blocked in Super Bowl VII. Yepremian ended up scooping up his blocked kicked and attempted a desperation pass that was picked off by Mike Bass and returned for the Redskins only score in the game. That's Earl Morrall - #15 who was holding for Yepremian.

With Browns defenders Bill Glass (#80) and Bob Gain (#79) in the backfield Lions quarterback Earl Morrall stands tall and gets the pass off in this 1963 Browns-Lions action. Morrall was the Lions top passer that season with 10 starts, 2621 passing yards and 24 touchdowns. The Lion at Morrall's feet could be lineman John Gonzaga (#79).

Colts quarterbacks Johnny Unitas and Earl Morrall chatting in the Locker Room before Super Bowl V. After being upset in Super Bowl III the Colts returned to the NFL Championship game 2 seasons later to defeat the Cowboys in Super Bowl V.

Earl Morrall was the NFL's MVP in 1968 after stepping in for an injured Johnny Unitas and leading the Colts to an NFL Championship. Unfortunately, he couldn't reproduce that success against the Jets defense in Super Bowl III. Here Jets defensive end Verlon Biggs applies pressure as Morrall gets the pass off.

1963 Colts & Lions. Earl Morrall (#14), gets the pass away before Colts lineman Fred Miller (#76) can make contact. Ordell Braasse (#81), Colts defensive end, appears to have concerns about Lions Lineman Dan La Rose (#77).

Meanwhile in Pittsburgh at the start of the 1958 NFL season.

Colts back-up Earl Morrall (#15) gets a block from fullback Terry Cole (#34) as 49er lineman Bill Belk (#72) and Stan Hindman (#80) force the issue. The final outcome of the 1969 contest was a 20-17 49ers win.

4 Lions greats from the early 1960s - fullback Nick Pietrosante, Middle Linebacker Joe Schmidt, Defensive Tackle Alex Karras & Quarterback Earl Morrall

Taking a handoff from quarterback Earl Morrall (#14), Lions fullback Nick Pietrosante (#33) gets behind offensive lineman John Gordy (#75)

Colts quarterback Earl Morrall (#15) come under a heavy Rams rush led by Hall of Famer Merlin Olsen (#74). Colt #88 is tight end John Mackey.

The NFL MVP of the 1968 Season.

Played with Detroit for 7 seasons - 1959 to 1964

Approaching the line of scrimmage with fellow Lions Bob Whitlow (#51) and John Gonzaga (#79).

Under a furious charge of Washington Redskins in 1966. Redskin defenders are #55 - Chris Hanburger #73 - Stan Jones #77 - Walt Barnes

Finished his 21-year career as Dolphin. Was a huge part of the offense as he led Miami to 9 straight regular season and 2 playoff wins.

Played with the Detroit Lions 1958 to 1964.

In 3 seasons with the Giants (1965-1967) he threw for 32 touchdowns and 3732 yards.

Standing tall in the pocket about to deliver. Colts blockers Bill Curry (#50), Dan Sullivan (#71) and Bob Vogel (#72) keep Cowboy defenders Larry Cole (#63) and George Andrie (#66) at bay.

A pic from his stay with the Giants. #23 is runner Ernie Koy.

DD Lewis (#50) of the Cowboys drops back in coverage while Colts Pro Bowl center Bill Curry (#50) sets to block for back-up QB Earl Morrall in the Colts win of Super Bowl V.

Under the heavy pressure of the Jets Jerry Philbin in Super Bowl III

All Pro quarterback Earl Morrall of the Dolphins in 1972. Led Miami to 9 victories during that historic season.

Baltimore Colts Quarterback Eark Morrall gets off a pass under a heavy rush by rookie Cowboys lineman Larry Cole.

Earl Morrall Football Cards and Covers

Steelers Quarterback Earl Morrall was in his 3rd year in the NFL when he was traded to Detroit after 2 weeks of the 1958 season for future Hall of Famer Bobby Layne. He remained a Lion until 1965.

Earl Morrall was the highlight of a number of backups that found their way to starting spots during the 1968 NFL season

His 1969 Topps card - 1969 found Earl Morrall once again in a back-up role though he did manage a win against the Bears.

Earl Morrall on his 1970 Topps card - 1970 was yet another unusual twist in Morrall's career. Back to backing up Johnny Unitas, he started just 1 game - a victory over Patriots. He did get a bit of revenge relieving Unitas in the last game of the season against the Jets. He threw 4 touchdowns and passed for 348 yards in a 35-20 win. As the Colts advanced to their second Super Bowl he found himself in the spotlight once again when Unitas went down with a rib injury in the 2nd quarter. Helped out by Cowboy mistakes Morrall managed to play well enough to keep the Colts in the game and eventually led the offense to Jim O'Brien's game winning field goal.

Earl Morrall All-Time Career Statistics

Career Regular Season Passing Statistics
Year	Age	Team	No.	Games	QBrec	Att	Comp	Cmp%	Yards	Y/A	Long	TD	Int	Rating	Sacked	4QC	GWD
1956	22	SFO	11	12	1-3-0	78	38	48.7	621	8.0	37	1	6	48.1
1957*	23	PIT	10	12	6-5-0	289	139	48.1	1900	6.6	64	11	12	64.9
1958	24	2 Teams		11	0-2-0	78	25	32.1	463	5.9	66	5	9	35.3
1958	9 Games	DET	14	9	0–0-0	32	9	28.1	188	5.9	66	4	2	65.1
1958	2 Games	PITT	10	2	0-2-0	46	16	34.8	275	6.0	66	1	7	23.6
1959	25	DET	14	12	2-3-0	137	65	47.4	1102	8.0	79	5	6	69.1
1960	26	DET	14	12	2-0-0	49	32	65.3	423	8.6	65	4	3	94.2		1	1
1961	27	DET	14	13	4-2-0	150	69	46	909	6.1	61	7	9	56.2		2	2
1962	28	DET	14	14		52	32	61.5	449	8.6	53	4	4	82.9		1	1
1963	29	DET	14	14	4-5-1	328	174	53	2621	8.0	75	24	14	86.2	29	1	0
1964	30	DET	14	6	3-0-0	91	50	54.9	588	6.5	48	4	3	75.7	10	1	1
1965	31	NYG	11	14	7-7-0	302	155	51.3	2446	8.1	89♦	22	12	86.3	27	2	2
1966	32	NYG	11	7	1-5-1	151	71	47	1105	7.3	98	7	12	54.1	18	1	1
1967	33	NYG	11	8		24	13	54.2	181	7.5	27	3	1	100.9	8
✪1968*+	34	BAL	15	14	13-1-0	317	182	57.4	2909	9.2♦	84	26♦	17	93.2	24
1969	35	BAL	15	9	1-0-1	99	46	46.5	755	7.6	42	5	7	60.0	7	1	0
1970	36	BAL	15	14	1-0-0	93	51	54.8	792	8.5	44	9	4	97.6	14
1971	37	BAL	15	14	7-2-0	167	84	50.3	1210	7.2	64	7	12	58.2	11	1	0
♡1972+	38	MIA	15	14	9-0-0	150	83	55.3	1360	9.1	49	11	7	91.0♦	14	1	1
1973	39	MIA	15	14	0-1-0	38	17	44.7	253	6.7	53	0	4	27.5	2
1974	40	MIA	15	14	1-0-0	27	17	63	301	11.1	46	2	3	86.1	3	1	1
1975	41	MIA	15	13	1-0-0	43	26	60.5	273	6.3	31	3	2	82.8	4	1	1
1976	42	MIA	15	14		26	10	38.5	148	5.7	67	1	1	54.6	3
7 seasons		Lions		80	15-10-1	839	431	51.4	6280	7.5	79	52	41	76.4	39	6	5
5 seasons		Dolphins		69	11-1-0	284	153	53.9	2335	8.2	67	17	17	76.2	26	3	3
4 seasons		Colts		51	22-3-1	676	363	53.7	5666	8.4	84	47	40	80.3	56	2	0
3 seasons		Giants		29	8-12-1	477	239	50.1	3732	7.8	98	32	25	77.0	53	3	3
2 seasons		Steelers		14	6-7-0	335	155	46.3	2175	6.5	66	12	19	56.0
1 season		49ers		12	1-3-0	78	38	48.7	621	8.0	37	1	6	48.1
21-Years		NFL		255	63-36-3	2689	1379	51.3	20809	7.7	98	161	148	74.1	174	14	11

Career Post Season Passing Statistics
Year	Age	Team	Games	QBrec	Comp	Att	Cmp%	Yards	TD	Int	Long	Y/A	Rating	Sacked	4QC	GWD
✪1968*+	34	BAL♚	3	2-1	30	64	46.9	520	2	5	49	8.1	52.9	4

1970	36	BAL♚	3	0-0	7	15	46.7	147	0	1	45	9.8	54.0	0	1	1
1971	37	BAL	2	0-0
♡1972+	38	MIA♚	3	2-0	13	24	54.2	139	1	1	35	5.8	67.9	4	1	1
1973	39	MIA♚	3	0-0
1974	40	MIA	1	0-0
8 games		Colts	8	2-1	37	79	46.8	667	2	6	49	8.4	53.1	4	1	1
7 games		Dolphins	7	2-0	13	24	54.2	139	1	1	35	5.8	67.9	4	1	1
Post Season		NFL	15	4-1	50	103	48.5	806	3	7	49	7.8	56.5	8	2	2