Joe Morris (American football)

Joseph Edward Morris (born September 15, 1960) is a former American football running back in the National Football League who played for the New York Giants from 1982 to 1988. Initially noted for his diminutive stature — 5' 7", Morris was a key member of the Giants team that won Super Bowl XXI in 1987. He rushed for 67 yards, caught four passes for 20 yards, and scored a touchdown in the game.

College career

While playing scholastic sports at Ayer High School in Ayer, Massachusetts, Morris was an All-State in two sports. Morris was a four year starter at Syracuse University. At Syracuse, Morris set all of the all-time rushing records rushing for 4,229 yards in his four seasons surpassing former greats such as Jim Brown, Larry Csonka and Floyd Little. An All-American choice by his senior year, he was selected to play in the Blue-Gray, East-West Shrine and Senior Bowl games before signing on with the New York Giants.

Professional career

Morris was the New York Giants second round pick in the 1982 NFL Draft, and quickly outshined their first round pick, University of Michigan back Butch Woolfolk. As a rookie with the Giants in 1982 Morris scored a touchdown on his very first rushing attempt; a prelude of what was to come for this powerful running back. In 1985 he rushed for 1,336 yards and a league leading 21 touchdowns, and rushed for 141 yards in their 17–3 postseason win over the San Francisco 49ers. Morris was a key member of the '87 Giants Super Bowl Championship team rushing his way to a 1,000 yard season. He went on to add two more 1,000 plus yard rushing seasons, moving past Alex Webster as the all-time Giants leader.

In the Giants' march to the Lombardi Trophy, Morris rushed for 313 yards in three playoff games including a 159 yard, two touchdown performance against the San Francisco 49ers. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in '85 and '86 seasons and also received All-NFL Honors for his performance those two years. Towards the end of the 1988 season, he totaled 1,318 attempts, 5,296 yards and 48 touchdowns for the New York Giants. Morris retired from professional football in 1991 with the Cleveland Browns and finished his NFL career with 5,585 rushing yards, 111 receptions for 960 yards, and 52 touchdowns.

After football

Morris now works in real estate and insurance. He resides in New Jersey with his two children. He was also a part owner of the New Jersey Red Dogs of the Arena Football League, along with fellow ex-Giants Carl Banks and Harry Carson.

Family

Morris had two younger brothers follow him to Syracuse University. Mike was a wide receiver and Larry was a runningback. Morris' youngest brother, Jamie Morris set the all-time rushing records at the University of Michigan.

See also

• History of the New York Giants (1979–1993)