This is a series based on the question posed above: players that are worthy of induction into the Hall of Fame but for some reason have not been.
He had a stellar NFL career, he put up Hall of Fame caliber numbers. This forgotten guy is the answer to several trivia questions. Three questions NFL trivia fans:
Who is the greatest backup QB in NFL history?
What two-time league MVP as a QB isn’t in the Hall of Fame?
What QB, who was a part of two of the biggest events in NFL history and possesses three Super Bowl rings, isn’t in the Hall of Fame?
Earl Morrall—QB, six different teams, 1956–1976
He was a highly-touted athlete who led his Muskegon Michigan high school football team to a state championship in 1951. He set off a determined recruitment by several top colleges, whose efforts to recruit him caused his high school principal, George A. Manning, to complain that Morrall’s education was suffering.
He eventually chose Michigan State and played three seasons for the Spartans, leading them to a 9-1 regular season record in 1955. He capped his senior year with a victory over the UCLA Bruins in the 1956 Rose Bowl game.
Earl Morrall played shortstop and third base on the Michigan State baseball team and played in the College Baseball World Series. He caught the attention of MLB scouts and was poised to be drafted to play Major League Baseball, but chose to play football in the NFL.
He was drafted No. 2 overall in the 1956 draft by the San Francisco 49ers. He was traded on September 16, 1957 along with guard Mike Sandusky to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for linebacker Marv Matuszak and two first-round draft picks.
Marv Matuszak was a two-time Pro Bowl player and AFL All-Star during his 12-year career. He is also the father of defensive end John Matuszak, who helped the Oakland Raiders win two Super Bowls.
Despite the high cost of the transaction, the Steelers traded Morrall just over a year later to the Detroit Lions in order to obtain future Hall of Famer Bobby Layne. Morrall would play six seasons for the Lions, having his best season in 1963 by throwing for 24 touchdowns and 2,621 yards.
Today's Must Reads
The following year, he suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in an October 18 game against the Chicago Bears. He spent the offseason rehabilitating from his injury before he was dealt to the New York Giants as part of a three-team transaction on August 30, 1965.
Taking a leadership role during a Giants’ rebuilding phase, Morrall threw for 2,446 yards and 22 touchdowns that season, yet he found himself seeing spot duty over the course of the next two years.
He was traded on August 25, 1968 to the Baltimore Colts for an undisclosed draft choice.
Starting quarterback John Unitas, considered by some to be the best quarterback ever, went down with a elbow injury on his throwing arm in the final preseason game. Earl Morrall became the starter.
He proceeded to lead the Baltimore Colts to a 13-1 record, added two playoff wins and won the league MVP award.
He threw for 2,909 yards and 26 touchdowns with 17 interceptions that season; he also had the highest passer rating in the league at 93.2 during the regular season. His performance was so impressive that coach Don Shula decided to keep him in the starting lineup after Unitas was healthy enough to play.
The Colts had won 10 games in a row, including four shutouts. In those 10 games the Colts allowed only seven touchdowns. Then the Colts avenged their sole loss of the season by crushing the Cleveland Browns 34-0 in the NFL championship game.
The Colts offense ranked second in the league in points scored. The Colts defense led the league in fewest points allowed (144, tying the league record at that time) and ranked third in rushing yards allowed 1,339. After winning the NFL championship game the media touted the Colts as “the greatest team in pro football history”.
The Colts were favored by 18 points.
However, in one of sport’s greatest upsets, the Colts lost 16-7 to the New York Jets in Super Bowl III, with a second-quarter interception of a pass by Morrall symbolizing the team’s luck on the day.
Wide receiver Jimmy Orr was wide open near the end zone on a double reverse pass which we now call a flea flicker, but Morrall’s throw went elsewhere and was picked off to stymie the Colts’ momentum.
Two years later, Morrall again replaced an injured Unitas in Super Bowl V, but the occasion proved to be much happier, as the Colts won 16-13 over the Dallas Cowboys on a 32-yard Jim O’Brien field goal as time expired.
Earl Morrall was claimed off waivers for $100 by the Miami Dolphins on April 25, 1972, reuniting him with his former Colt head coach, Don Shula, who said, "I happen to have a good memory. I remember what Earl did for me in 1968."
Don Shula’s words proved prophetic when history repeated itself: Morrall replaced the injured Bob Griese for the Dolphins during the team’s October 15 win over the San Diego Chargers.
The win gave Miami a 5-0 record; Morrall, building on that win, led the Dolphins to the first undefeated season ever. He started 12 of the team's 17 games.
He led the team to a win in the team’s first playoff game against the Cleveland Browns, and then struggled mightily against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the AFC Championship game that led to the return of Bob Griese.
His efforts didn’t go unnoticed, as he was named American Football Conference Player of the Year, as well as winning the inaugural NFL Comeback Player of the Year Award. He played with the Dolphins for four more seasons before retiring in 1977.
Career Highlights and Awards
- Pro Bowl Selection (1957 & 1968)
- Super Bowl Champion (V,VII,VIII)
- 1972 NFL Comeback Player of the Year
- 1968 AP NFL MVP
- 1968 UPI MVP
Career Stats
- 161 touchdowns, 148 interceptions
- 20,809 yards
- 74.1 career QB rating
In a career that lasted for 21 seasons he played for:
- 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)
Here is a guy known as the greatest back-up quarterback in league history. It would be nice to see him come off the bench and be inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame.
comments (41) write a comment »
write a new comment
2 months ago
Good Solid Player for 21 years. There are many "good solid players". I never heard of backups making the hall of fame. just a thought.
from 2 months ago
Thanks for the comments and the feedback, Robert. I pose the question to you, can you name these "good solid players" that possess three rings? Can you tell me of these "good solid players" that have better statistics than some current hall of famers? Don't let the term back up fool you.
from 2 months ago
I am not knocking this guy at all. I just think that it is hard to fit some people in. And that is the point of the Hall of Fame. Now, three rings is quite a feat I will say, but 74.1 passer rating does not settle well with me when there are other players out there that should make the Hall too. Good article though, my first comment seemed kind of nasty. Was not the intent.
from 2 months ago
Robert,
I didn't take your comment as nasty. That was your take and everyone is entitled to their own opinion. The argument I'm making is that some former stars deserve to be in the Hall of Fame and this guy is one of them. This guy has the stats that make him worthy. His career passer rating not settling well with me is telling you missed the point. More important than his passer rating, He was the starting QB on the NFL's only undefeated team. He was also the starting QB on a Baltimore Colts team that lost one game and won a NFL championship prior to losing to the NY Jets in Super Bowl III. If he didn't throw an interception in Super Bowl III he could very well have four Super Bowl rings instead of three. I'm still waiting to see a list or group the comprise "There are many "good solid players" for us to discuss and or debate.
from 2 months ago
How did the Dolphins go UNDEFEATED?? It wasn't all Griese? NO, it was "THE MAN", "THE LIVING LEGEND", EARL MORRALL. This guy with high top boots came out and won over 7 of the games for the Dolphins...
Who can do that, who did that at his age...Keep your eye on the prize...
2 months ago
He didn't dominate during his era
from 2 months ago
Thanks for the comments and feedback, Jay. I disagree with your take. It leads to the questions 1) How long is a era supposed to be? 2) Where is it listed that to make it to the Hall you have to dominate an era? If you want to speak of a era that he dominated take a look at 1958-1972 and then take another look at his career highlights and awards and you'll have your answer.
2 months ago
Earl Morrall was a good QB at Michigan State where he led the Spartans to the Rose Bowl. He was an acceptable starting QB for the Detroit Lions. He was a superior utility QB for Shula in '68 and '72 when called upon. He does rank with the best of the backups during the era of the great backups, 1955-75, before specialization changed pro football.
I do suggest that Morrall may not be considered the best backup of that period. While it is true that he compares with Zeke Bratkowski, Bill Munson, and Gary Cuozzo on the short list, I feel the head of the list must be Daryle Lamonica who was Jack Kemp's backup for years at Buffalo. Lamonica bailed out a stalled Bill offense on many occassions, often looking down field for receivers "Golden Wheels" & Bobby Crockett along with powerful Fullbacks, Wray Carlton and Cookie Gilchrist to make big plays. After several years of showing his stuff in Buffalo as a backup he was traded to Oakland and he led the Raiders to the Super Bowl in his 1st year as a starter. I would further suggest that Lamonica's own backup with Oakland, George Blanda, is a better player than Morrall. One need only look up George's stats and records to see this. George, like Morrall, was a starting QB before he was a backup, Lamonica was a starter after Al Davis saw what he could do as a backup. I would further push the envelope by stating that former Cal Bear All-America Craig Morton, a backup for years to Don Meredith and later to Roger Staubach after losing his interim starting job could be considered the greatest backup QB of alltime. A quick peek at his 17 year career stats reveals a superior player.
So, Let's give Morrall credit. Let's reward him but let's give some of these other "Devils their Due".
from 2 months ago
Thanks for the comments and feedback, BabyTate. Where do I start, Craig Morton was a talented QB whose career lasted 18 seasons and his career total passing yardage of 27,908 yards is impressive however what his stat's don't reveal are a superior player nor do they reveal any Pro Bowl Selections, any Super Bowl Wins or any League MVP awards. To say he is superior would mean to ignore these facts which is my argument in the first place. These facts can't continue to be ignored.
Zeke Bratkowski, a talented QB but his stat's don't compare. Bill Munson, another talented QB who played for 16 seasons and whose death in 2000 was tragic but his stat's don't compare. Gary Cuozzo, was a talented QB who did a decent job as a back up QB as well. He should be known for being an excellent undrafted free agent who did well but for him to be compared he would have to have some notable career accomplishments or some hardware. His career stats do not compare.
This article is the second in a series of articles under the same title and Daryle Lamonica & George Blanda are on the list.
2 months ago
It's a pleasure to read someone who understands there was an NFL before Tom Brady or Bill Parcells.
from 2 months ago
Thanks for the comments and feedback, BabyTate! I am that guy. I've played and followed football for a while. I'm a firm believer in the fact that you have to know where you came from to have any idea of where you're going. If it wasn't for the greats that played the game of football for pennies and got the ball rolling the league wouldn't be huge as it is now. I think these guys need their just due and financial assistance when necessary. Thanks for reading and having a sports conversation with me.
from 2 months ago
lol
You guys are just kids.
Artie Donovan still owes me money for his wedding.
2 months ago
I don't exactly agree. This argument is kind of weak. Morrall was a backup who was rarely good enough to win the starting job on his own team. One could make better arguments for other players from a short period later. Walt Garrison and Russ Francis immediately come to mind as guys that dominated the game from positions that didn't garner high stats during their era.
from 2 months ago
Thanks for the feedback, Jay. If my argument is so weak Jay let's debate the issue but stick to the QB's. If I told you a guy was a prominent member of two teams that won three Super Bowls, an MVP, selected to two Pro Bowls, won comeback player of the year are you gonna tell me he was rarely good enough? What rarely good enough guy wins these awards? I'll bet if Don Shula is asked he wouldn't say that Earl Morrall was rarely good enough. What you are failing to realize Jay is he played behind two Hall of Fame QB's if that means anything to you.
I can tell that he played way before your era. You're entitled to your opinion Jay but seeing as you don't agree with me check out the history of the NFL, research the stats of all the greats and let that be your guide. You've clearly letting the term back up quarterback fool you. To dimiss a guy because in your eyes he didn't dominate his era is extremely weak and screams that I don't know anything about him.
from 2 months ago
Mark Rypien was a SB quarterback who put up good numbers for a while also.
from 2 months ago
You're correct Lieutenant! Mark Rypien was a Super Bowl QB that put up some good numbers. He had a tremendous 1991 after spending two years on the Redskins injured reserve list and watching the Redskins win a Super Bowl. He answered the call when his time came. Oh and on another note, I want thank you and everyone around you and want to see all of you out of harms way. When your platoon falls into formation, and you call your platoon to attention, take your normal headcount my hope is that everyone is present and accounted for. Thanks for doing what you do and we can discuss sports anytime you've the opportunity. From this former E-5 here's hoping that a certain O-1 keeps his head down and continues to do an excellent job of leading your troops to handle the mission at hand.
2 months ago
Earl Morrall has his place in NFL history, and it's a good one. Hall of Fame worthy? No way, not for a player who through for less than 10 TDs during 15 of his 21 seasons. He's a great backup. He's Don Strock. He's Babe Parilli or Jeff Hostetler. He's Steve Beuerlein, a nice insurance policy at the QB position.
I realize he guided the '68 Colts and '72 Dolphins (while entering those seasons as a backup to Unitas and Griese) and did a historic job with both teams. And his stats were decent for his time period. However, Morrall was never a HOF caliber player. He was damn good at what he did. Which was taking over the reigns of championship teams and not sinking the ship. He was a game-manager, albeit a great one.
I like Morrall and his place in league history as it is. He's not a HOFer.
Also, nobody blames him for losing to the Jets in Super Bowl III. He clearly missed Jimmy Orr on the flea flicker play that would have resulted in a go-ahead TD before the half. He also threw an interception in the endzone. Honestly, Baltimore had no business losing to the Jets that day. Some of that blame should go on Morrall, the QB.
2 league MVPs makes it tough to argue against him, but he ranks 57th all time in TD passes and 82nd in passing yards. His career QB rating of 74.1 certainly isn't HOF caliber either. I'd put Phil Simms, Ken Stabler, maybe even Boomer Esiason ahead of him. They were never considered "backups" for any extended period of time.
I like your case, though. Well done article.
from 2 months ago
Thanks for the comments, compliments and feedback, Johnny. You made some valid points until you dropped the Don Strock reference. Don Strock is best known for a game I will never forget on Jan. 2 1982, I lost a very good friend that day. He came off the bench in the to rally the Dolphins who were down by 24 and tied the score against the Chargers in the third quarter of a game they eventually lost 41-38.
He had a great game 29-43 403 yards and four touchdowns. He played 16 seasons but he passed for 5300 yards.
Which isn't in the same ball park as Earl Morrall. I wonder what Earl Morrall's Hall of Fame coach and his teammates on the Baltimore Colts & Miami Dolphins would say about this so called nice insurance policy. How would the Patriots fare if Matt Cassel had to start 12 of 17 games.
I wonder if you can name me a few other so called nice insurance policies that have the same stats as Earl Morrall. You appear to be another person caught up on his career passer rating when the fact of the matter is did the guy win.
The answer is yes he won he actually won it all for three times for two different teams. I guess you'll call him and average player that happened to win three Super Bowls, a league MVP, a Comeback Player of the Year award and was selected to the Pro Bowl twice. If this guy isn't worthy with the stats he has do me a favor and name me a QB that has gone undefeated one season and lost one game but went on to win an NFL championship another season.
2 months ago
Also, don't think I'm advocating Simms, Stabler and Esiason for the HOF. They were excellent players for a decent period of time. As was Morrall. Not HOFers in my opinion.
2 months ago
Sorry, Jeff....You were spot on with Ray Guy, but I'm afriad you missed the mark here.
Earl Morrall was not better player than Phil Simms, Joe Theismann, Jim Plunkett, Doug Williams, Neil Lomax, Boomer Esiason, Randall Cunningham, Jim Hart and countless others who are not in the Hall of Fame...
He was serviceable like a Norm Snead, a Roman Gabriel type...on good teams but not a difference maker.
He is statistically behind those mentioned above as well as behind Dave Krieg, Drew Bledsoe, Vinny Testeverde, John Hadl, Kerry Collins, Jim Everett and Steve DeBerg.
You're a Raiders' fan...do you think he was better than Darryl Lamonica? I definitely don't.
from 2 months ago
Thanks for the comments and feedback, John. I'm well aware of the fact that I'm a Raiders fan and no I don't feel that he was better than Darryl Lamonica. This series of articles isn't based on the Raiders or me being a fan of the Raiders. I believe that if you check out my articles it will prove that they aren't all about the Raiders.
Darryl Lamonica is on my list in this series and is not forgotten about what appears to be forgotten about are Earl Morrall's accomplishments and that was the purpose of this sports argument I'm making, that he has earned the right to be in the conversation.
As an example if we added up the Super Bowl rings of all the guys mentioned above he has more than all of them. I like all of the players mentioned above and I didn't title this series of articles This guy is better than and provide a list of players. He played under a different set of circumstances. So far the reaction that I've gotten is that this guy hasn't done anything and who is he.
If we let history be our guide it tells me that he made a difference, when given the keys to a championship caliber team he came off of the bench in relief of a Hall of Fame QB ( John Unitas) to lead the Baltimore Colts to an NFL championship. He came off the bench in relief of another Hall of Fame QB (Brian Griese) and started 12 of the 17 games of an undefeated season. Jim Plunkett & Doug Williams came off the bench to lead their teams to championships. This guy has done that with two teams.
I had no idea what type of response I would receive with him as a subject of the article, but I doubt a merely serviceable guy would have the career accomplishments and hardware he earned.
History tells me that he made a difference to the Baltimore Colts, he made a difference to the Miami Dolphins, he made a difference to a Hall of Fame coach Don Shula.
from 2 months ago
Good points....my point to you about the Raiders is that you had a couple of guys in your own backyard as good or better than Morrall, that's all
from 2 months ago
I hear you John and as always you made some valid points. I didn't take offense to it at all. I will be dropping a Darryl Lamonica article.
2 months ago
2 Pro Bowls in 21 years absolutely will not get Morrall or any other player into the Hall. Morrall doesn't deserve all of the credit for the '72 Dolphins as you said. I believe Griese started 5 games or so, including the Super Bowl, in which Shula elected to start Griese who hadn't played in months. I'm guessing he felt the nerves coming back from Morrall's performance in SB III. He stunk that game up. I'll present you with this- Had the Colts defeated the Jets in SB III, you'd probably find a bust of Morrall in Canton, Ohio and Namath would be the guy left out. That's the harsh reality of the Super Bowl, if your stats are marginal (like Morrall's are), you can't be the QB on the wrong side of the biggest upset in league history.
Honestly, you think Namath makes the HOF if the Jets lose that game? We all know Namath is the only QB in the Hall with a completion PCT. under 50 and has thrown more INTs than TD passes.
Morrall WAS an insurance policy, maybe the best the NFL has ever seen in terms of the QB position. Just don't put him in the Hall.
Again, Morrall has his place in NFL history, and it's a good one. It's just not HOF worthy. Shula said it best, "Earl Morrall is in my own personal Hall of Fame". Let's keep him there.
Again, he failed to throw for more than 10 TD passes in 15 of his 21 seasons. That spells backup, but a damn fine one.
Sorry for the Strock reference...haha, gotta love the Stroker (a former teammate of Morrall's)
from 2 months ago
Johhny, you make some valid points but I had to discuss the Don Strock take with you. I remember him well and I knew that guy would become a good coach. You mention again that Earl Morrall failed to throw 10 TD passes in 15 of his 21 seasons, that to me is more of an indcitment of the talent on the team than it being his fault. If you're drafted that high, chances are you aren't going to a winning team and the Steelers were 6-6 that year. I doubt that you're taking into account that he was drafted #2 overall in 1956 and traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1957. He was then traded again to the Detroit Lions because the Steelers wanted Hall of Fame QB Bobby Layne. Played for a bad Detroit Lions team for six years, Injured and then shipped to a bad NY Giants team who were in a rebuilding phase these are the reasons he threw less than 10 TD passes for 15 of his 21 seasons. History tells me that you're still talking about a guy who was traded for a Hall of Fame QB in Bobby Layne, who played behind two OTHER Hall of Fame QB's and a guy who has as many championship rings as Tom Brady & Troy Aikman. He played in the most instrumental game in the history of the NFL. In regards to the loss in Super Bowl III, don't forget in those days there were TWO Leagues the more established NFL and the up and coming AFL. The Colts did lose to the Jets but they won the NFL championship prior to losing to the Jets so their season was essentially over. This was prior to the two leagues merging. Morrall has his place in history being forgotten by several people who haven't checked out what this guy has done and have ONLY saw his QB rating and the fact that he lost to the Jets in Super Bowl III. Not to dog Joe Namath but he is in the Hall of Fame after winning in 1968 after a 200 yard passing day. Earl Morrall who several want to toss aside took snaps in five Super Bowls. He wasn't just on the team. An insurance policy doesn't win a league MVP or have as many championship rings as Tom Brady & Troy Aikman.
2 months ago
Nice trip down memory lane. I do love seeing names like Snead, Lamonica, Gabriel, Cuozzo, etc in the responses.
I have a different take on Morrall, though. (Caveat: I am a diehard BALTIMORE Colt fan.) Super Bowl III was fixed. (I could spend hours on my thoughts on why I feel certain of this.) To fix a game one need only to involve the QB. Morrall's blatant miscue on the arm-waving Jimmy Orr--a designed play that had already worked for a TD during the season--speaks volumes.
from 2 months ago
Thanks for the comments and feedback, Scott. I thought that it would be nice to breakout some of the names of the past. Thanks for weighing in on this subject. I wrote this because I feel he has earned the right to be in the Hall of Fame conversation.
2 months ago
And speaking of Baltimore Colts deserving of HOF induction, here's two more:
DB Bobby Boyd--How are you named to the NFL All-Decade team (60s) with all that talent, and not be inducted??
OT Bob Vogel--overshadowed by the great Jumbo Jim Parker much of his career, yet still managed All-Pro recognition four times.
Oh, and on the subject of Daryle Lamonica. The Mad Bomber deserves induction simply due to the fact he was named AFL MVP twice.
from 2 months ago
I'm in agreement on all takes.
2 months ago
Jeff, you're sure making a lot of excuses for this guy. Doesn't the fact that he was constantly traded from team to team tell you that he might not have ever been the guy teams wanted to build around.Morrall was what he was- pretty damn good.
I'm also well aware of the merger in 1970 between the two leagues, and winning the 1968 NFL championship before losing Super Bowl III shouldn't be anything significant. I'm sure Bubba Smith doesn't go to bed at night thinking "at least we won the NFL title that year."
They lost to an inferior team in an inferior league. Morrall was on some of the best teams of that era and played a crucial role, which was a reason why he participated to so many big games and did a fair job for the most part.
I feel you on the two-time MVP though, I really do. However, MVP in football doesn't always translate into HOF stuff. I mean, Mark Mosely won one for god sakes.
Also, you shouldn't completely dismiss his rating, which was marginal for any era. I realize the evolution of the passing game from the 1960s to 1980s and realize it was a different game back then. They didn't change the contact rules from DBs and WRs until 1978 (I believe).
Again, I'm not a Morrall hater. I actually love his place in the league. But c'mon, he's not a HOFer. You should be talking about Simms.
Love the topic, though. You do a great job, man.
from 2 months ago
Johnny, I have no idea where you come up with excuses. I've provided you facts if you can prove my facts wrong I'm willing to listen and I have no need to provide excuses. The completely disrespectful inferior talk is what fueled the AFL to prove all of the NFL owners and people like yourself who thought the AFL was inferior WRONG by winning. If the AFL was so inferior and the NY Jets were so inferior why did the Colts lose and why did the two leagues merge. That statement is way off base and that was the thinking and the reason why the two teams played in the first place to prove that they were far from it.
Johnny, you sound like a Earl Morrall hater to me, I mean if there was a definition in the dictionary of a Eartl Morral hater it would show your picture; you've compared the guy to every back up you can think of and now a kicker. I'm a NFL fan and I have always felt that the contributions made by guys like Earl Morrall have been tossed aside for the wrong reasons. The fact of the matter is regardless of what you and I think, history says that you're way off base. Johnny you're telling me and whoever else wants to know that accomplishing 3 Super Bowl WINS, a League MVP, 2 Time Pro Bowler, he won the first Comeback Player of Year Award means ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.
I feel the exact opposite his accomplishments have earned him the right to be in the conversation; He won as many Super Bowls as Tom Brady & Troy Aikman. Oh and Bubba Smith was the 1st overall pick in 1967 and won a championship in Super Bowl 5 and was one of the greatest DE's to ever play the game. It is extremely difficult to play behind a legend as Danny White, Todd Collins, Brian Griese, Quincy Carter, Mike Livingston, Tommy Kramer can attest to. "Two Minute" Tommy Kramer was probably the best at replacing a legend and being successful at the position.
2 months ago
Sorry to keep bugging you, Jeff, but I'm not sure your facts are correct. I see Morrall's 1968 MVP award as his only one (AP and UPI). You keep claiming he won the award twice. Maybe you're referring to his 1972 AFC Player of the Year Award (which isn't considered an NFL MVP). FYI- Larry Brown won the MVP in '72 (Washington Redskins RB).
Just one more thing, you say he has as many rings as Brady and Aikman, and you are correct. However, one of those rings (SB V) he collected while throwing a total of 93 passes on the season. I understand he relieved Unitas in the SB that season, and might I add it is considered the worst SB of all time (11 combinded turnovers, 7 by Morrall's Colts).
In 1973, another one of his championship seasons, Morrall threw a total of 38 passes that year. Of the 3 titles you discuss Morrall having, none of those came in which he STARTED ing the Super Bowl. He collected 3 rings as a backup. Nothing more, nothing less.
You said Morrall took snaps in five Super Bowls? I was only able to find four (III, V, VII, VIII). Maybe you're facts were wrong there, too.
Morrall's career Super Bowl Statistics:
SB III- Morrall 6/17 71 0 3 (his MVP season)
SB V- Morrall 7/15 147 0 1 (in relief of Unitas)
SB VII- Morrall 0/0 0 0 0 (took a couple kneel downs)
SB VIII- Morrall 0/0 0 0 0 (took a couple kneel downs)
I don't think this is comparable to Brady or Aikman in any way, other than he was along for the ride in two of his three SB team wins.
Throughout his SB career, he has 0 TD passes and 4 INTs, and I don't even wanna' know how poor his QB rating is. Probably the worst in SB history for the amount of snaps he's taken.
I'm not trying to offend you. It's just my opinion.
from 2 months ago
Johnny, I don't feel as if you bugging me nor do I feel offended at all we are debating an issue, it is what you would call a long discussion. I never said that he had more the one MVP, I listed it the way it reads in his career stats. You mentioned in your first comment that he had two MVP's and chose not to correct you. In reagards to Super Bowl 5 it was called the blunder bowl for a reason, there was still a winner and a loser of that game. Are you telling me that we should inscribe on the side of the Super Bowl ring that he threw 93 passes that year? As ridiculous as it sounds we would be writing it on a Championship ring.
The Colts were an unspectacular but well-balanced team, led by 37-year old quarterback Johnny Unitas. Unitas had regained his starting spot on the team in 1969 upon recovering from the injury that led him to miss the majority of the 1968 season. Unitas played inconsistently during the 1970 regular season; he threw for 2,213 yards, but recorded more interceptions (18) than touchdowns (14), and thus earned a passer rating of just 65.1.
Unitas also had injury problems, causing him to miss 2 regular season games and thus giving Earl Morrall more significant playing time. Morrall put up a better statistics than Unitas (792 yards, 9 touchdowns, 4 interceptions, and a 97.6 passer rating), but head coach Don McCafferty decided to start Unitas for the playoffs. According to Jim O'Brien, Morrall was just as good as Unitas in the players' opinion.
Everyone is entitled to their opinion as wrong as it maybe. He did a whole lot more than just being along for the ride my friend. It is laughable to read how a guy who played behind two Hall of Fame QB's and was traded for another was just along for the ride like a gatorade container. I really love 'the took a few neal downs' blast. Did he hand out water and breakout a couple cheers to keep the crowd going as well.
You're reading the stats and the stats only Johnny. Let's put it this way regarding Super Bowl 5, Johnny Unitas was knocked out of the game with an injury and Earl Morrall came off the bench to lead his team to a victory. The stats say he threw for 147 yards and 0 touchdowns but history says that he came off the bench to lead his team to victory. The last time I checked in regards to a football game there are three columns win, loss or tie I haven't seen the "he was a back up" " he was just along for the ride" " he only threw 93 passes that year column". Rohan Davey, Kliff Kingsbury, Damon Huard and Matt Cassel were along for the ride. Earl Morrall did far more than that and the more. You can look at the stats only all day long the fact of the matter is the stats don't always tell you exactly what happened. You don't amass the accomplishments that this man had by just going along for the ride. I can see now that you don't get it. It is good to have your own opinion everyone does but you might want to get the entire picture of what happen and not just what a stat reference website says.
2 months ago
JL,
My man you are dead center with this long over due article on a man who flew under the radar. Just think the only men who have more rings than Morral are Joe Montana and Teryy Bradshaw period. Good point when you suggested he was an interception and a deflected pass off his tight ends shoulder pads from having a fourth ring. Passing rating means nothing Tom Brady's super bowl passing rating is below Morrals and they both have the same amount of MVP's and super bowl rings. Passing rating is a nothing stat anyway, how can a perfect rating be 148 please explain that to me. This is a stat that came into play when Phil Simms lit up the Broncos with his 22 for 26 day. Earl to his credit played behind 2 HOF quaterbacks in Johnny Unitas and Bob Greise and yet still played an monster role in both Baltimore and Miami losing one game in those 2 combined seasons. Great article my man as always.
from 2 months ago
Thanks for the comments and the compliments, mark. Thanks for weighing in on the topic, I'm just making a sports argument for a guy who did lot more than some people think.
2 months ago
Obviously I'm not going to convince you that Morrall is right where he should be nor will you convince me otherwise. Agreeing to disagree is what we'll have to do. Which is cool. That's what makes debating sports so interesting.
I think it's laughable that you figure all I do is look at stats. As if I've never heard of Earl Morrall or done any research on the NFL. Stats matter when discussing ones HOF resume. Morrall did take a few kneel downs in SB VII and VIII. Like I've said this whole time, Morrall has his place in history, and it's a good one. He's an extremely respected player and is considered the greatest backup in NFL history.
You don't think I get it? As if I'm some new-aged sports fan that only looks at stats. I think my argument has been more than stats. Sorry for not presenting my case better. My opinion regarding Morrall happens to be the same as probably 85% of the HOF voters. He's not in for a reason. Thanks again.
from 2 months ago
Johnny Ballgame, It appears that you're right we won't be able to convince each other. Which is cool. However, you raised some valid issues and you did make a strong case. I have no problem agreeing to disagree. I decided to write a series of articles asking the question "why certain guys aren't in the Hall" to have a debate/discussion and put forth a sports argument for these guys.
I never said that you had never heard of Earl Morrall, nor did I say that all you do is look at stats. I agree with you Johnny Ballgame stats matter. What I said was in regards to this guy in particular you were only looking at his stats to determine his worth, I'll bet my bottom dollar that you know of several occassions where the stats didn't tell the complete story.
I know you get it and I chose not to gloss you as a new-aged sports fan that only looks at the stats. If that is the way you took it believe me when I say that was not the intent. You're Johnny Ballgame you don't have a name like that by being clueless. In all honesty I respect your takes and have never questioned your sports knowledge. I will go as far as saying that you could be right.
I never said I have all the answers I was just the guy that asked the question. You were one of the guys providing me with some answers. Thanks for the feedback and the sports debate.
2 months ago
I can see your point and, as a Balmer Colts guy, I wish it were considered but ... it's a stretch.
Lotta long time Yankees bench guys won a lot of rings and some had MVP type seasons off the bench but I can't see them in the Baseball HOF.
I tell you this. Out of all the names bandied about in this discussion , Morrall is more deserving by far.
from 2 months ago
Thanks for the comments and feedback, L J. I put up a strong sports argument for a deserving guy but the consensus as you can see is an emphatic no. Hopefully one day the HOF voters will show him some love. It might take several Baltimore Colts fans it is tough to call. Thanks for reading and weighing in on the subject.
2 months ago
We should concentrate on the rebirth of the Oakland Raiders who will be able to return to glory now that they've drafted the best player in college football.
Art Donovan was a good run stopper, Don Joyce was a good pass rusher, but it was Big Daddy Lipscomb that struck fear in the hearts of other teams. Also, let's give Bobby Boyd his due, he may have been the hardest hitter outside of Philly's Suicide Seven and the violent world of Sam Huff. Not bad for a former Oklahoma quarterback.
from 2 months ago
I'm in agreement with all of your takes. I really enjoyed watching Mike Curtis, Bobby Boyd & Big Bubba Smith. I had an opportunity to watch footage of Big Daddy Lipscomb playing you're right he struck fear in the hearts of many. He had a tragic end, I've several relatives in Detroit and some people still speak highly of his play on the field with the Rams and the Colts. Art Donovan was a good run stopper as well. Don Joyce was an outstanding DE/DT at 6'3" 253 lbs. he was a force as a pass rusher you mentioned nothing but phenomenal players. I have written several stories of the rebirth of the Oakland Raiders prior to the draft and a few post draft stories and there will be more.
write a new comment