The NFL’s Ultimate Backup: Earl Morrall’s Championship Career
May 17, 1934, Muskegon, Michigan, U.S., marked the beginning of the life of Earl Morrall, a man whose football career would become a testament to longevity, versatility, and the invaluable role of a veteran backup quarterback.
College Career: Morrall was a multi-sport star at Michigan State University, playing baseball (shortstop/third base) and punting in addition to quarterbacking. He led the Spartans to a National Championship in 1952. His collegiate pinnacle came in his senior year (1955), earning Consensus All-American honors and leading Michigan State to a victory over UCLA in the 1956 Rose Bowl. He finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting that year.
Road to the Pro Game: Morrall was the second overall pick in the 1956 NFL Draft by the San Francisco 49ers. His professional career was a remarkable 21-season odyssey with six different franchises:
- San Francisco 49ers (1956)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (1957–1958)
- Detroit Lions (1958–1964)
- New York Giants (1965–1967)
- Baltimore Colts (1968–1971)
- Miami Dolphins (1972–1976)
Football Legacy: Morrall’s legacy is defined by his heroic clutch performances, twice stepping in for injured Hall of Fame quarterbacks to lead his teams to the Super Bowl. In 1968, replacing Johnny Unitas, he led the Colts to a 13–1 record and a berth in Super Bowl III, earning his NFL MVP award. Four years later, as the replacement for the injured Bob Griese, he piloted the 1972 Miami Dolphins through a perfect 14-0 regular season, an unparalleled feat in NFL history. This performance cemented his reputation as one of the best backup quarterbacks the league has ever seen, a veteran master of the offense who could deliver under extreme pressure. He retired as the last active player from the 1950s.
Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats
- Pro Teams Played On: San Francisco 49ers, Pittsburgh Steelers, Detroit Lions, New York Giants, Baltimore Colts, Miami Dolphins
- Super Bowl Champion (3x): V (Colts), VII (Dolphins), VIII (Dolphins)
- NFL Champion (1x): 1968 (Colts)
- NFL Most Valuable Player (MVP): 1968 (AP, UPI, NEA)
- NFL Comeback Player of the Year: 1972
- Pro Bowl (2x): 1957, 1968
- First-team All-Pro (2x): 1968, 1972
- Consensus All-American: 1955 (Michigan State)
- College National Champion: 1952 (Michigan State)
| Category | Career Stats (NFL) |
| Games Played | 255 |
| Passing Yards | 20,809 |
| Touchdown Passes | 161 |
| Completions | 1,379 |
| Interceptions | 148 |
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