New England Patriots legend Jon Morris, who was the very first Pro Bowl selection in franchise history, passed away at the age of 84. The team announced the news Thursday, and it’s a huge loss for anyone who knows the roots of that storied organization.
The Foundation Builder
Morris played center for the Patriots for a full decade, from 1964 to 1974. Seriously, ten years with one team, that’s insane dedication, right? He got his Pro Bowl nod in 1970, setting the standard for what a Patriot could achieve. Before landing with the then-Boston Patriots, he starred at Holy Cross between 1961 and 1963. He was actually drafted by both the Green Bay Packers in the NFL (second round) and the Patriots in the AFL (fourth round) back in 1964. Morris chose to join the Patriots, and imagine the history that could have been different if he went to Green Bay instead? While he’s known for his time in New England, Morris also had stints with the Detroit Lions and Chicago Bears to close out his playing days. He even played alongside other legends like Gino Cappelletti, Babe Parilli, and Jim Nance.
A Legacy Remembered
Patriots owner Robert Kraft himself weighed in, and his words say it all: “Jon Morris was one of the great players who helped build the foundation of our franchise.” Kraft added that Morris “represented the toughness, dedication and pride of those early teams” for generations of fans. This guy literally laid groundwork for an entire dynasty. Kraft even said it meant “so much” to him to personally call Morris in 2011 to tell him he’d been selected to the team’s Hall of Fame. It’s awesome they made sure his contributions would “always be remembered.” Beyond the field, Morris stayed close to the game, returning to the Patriots as a radio color commentator from 1979 to 1987. After that, he even worked as an analyst for NBC. He truly loved the game, and you gotta respect that.
Morris’s passing means we’ve lost a true original, a guy who set the bar. His place in the Patriots Hall of Fame ensures his story of toughness and dedication lives on. It’s a reminder of the legends who paved the way for the game we all love today.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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