The ultimate insurance policy: how one backup quarterback secured a perfect season
In short: Earl Morrall was rarely the star, yet he was indispensable. Serving as a premium backup for Hall of Famers, he stepped in during critical moments to drive winning streaks and championship victories, proving that sometimes the most vital player is the one waiting on the sidelines.
In the history of the National Football League, few players embodied the role of the 'quintessential backup' as effectively as Earl Morrall. Throughout his 21-season tenure, Morrall acted as a vital safety net for iconic quarterbacks such as Bob Griese, Fran Tarkenton, Len Dawson, Johnny Unitas, and Y.A. Tittle. While he was a star in his own right—leading Michigan State to a Rose Bowl victory in 1956—his legacy is defined by his ability to maintain excellence when the primary starter faltered.
His most significant impact occurred during two distinct eras. During 1968, Morrall substituted for an injured Unitas, guiding the Baltimore Colts to a 13–1 record and securing the league's Most Valuable Player title. He also led the Colts to a comeback victory in Super Bowl V after Unitas was injured. Decades later, at age 38, he proved his worth again with the Miami Dolphins. When starter Bob Griese suffered a broken leg in the fifth game of the 1972 season, Morrall took over, guiding the team to 11 consecutive wins and earning both AFC Player of the Year and Comeback Player of the Year honors.
Even with such successes, Morrall faced the melancholy fate of a backup; he saw Griese reclaim the starting role during the 1972 playoffs, observing from the bench as the Dolphins achieved the NFL's sole perfect season. As former coach Don Shula noted, Morrall's ability to win games was his defining trait, whether he was starting or coming off the bench. He passed away at age 79, with his health reportedly impacted by Parkinson's disease.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Former NFL QB Earl Morrall Dies; Key Part Of Dolphins And Colts Teams : The Two-Way : NPR
- Also: Earl Morrall
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