Jon Morris, Patriots All-Star centre, dies aged 84

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 16 Oct, 12:44 · Archive

Jon Morris, a six-time AFL All-Star centre who helped found the Patriots, has died aged 84.

Jon Morris, centre for the Boston and New England Patriots, has died aged 84. The team announced his death on Thursday without disclosing a cause.

Morris spent 11 of his 15-year professional career with the Patriots, starting in 1964 when the team was in the AFL. He appeared in six AFL All-Star Games and was selected as the franchise's first Pro Bowler in 1970, following the AFL-NFL merger. The Holy Cross product was drafted by both the Patriots and the Green Bay Packers in 1964 but chose to begin his career in New England.

After his time with the Patriots ended in 1974, Morris played for the Detroit Lions from 1974 to 1977 and the Chicago Bears in 1978 before retiring at age 36. He returned to New England as a radio colour commentator from 1979 to 1987 and later provided analysis for NBC.

Patriots chairman Robert Kraft said Morris was 'one of the great players who helped build the foundation of our franchise'. Kraft recalled calling Morris in 2011 to inform him of his selection to the Patriots Hall of Fame. Morris played alongside future Hall of Famers including Gino Cappelletti, Babe Parilli and Jim Nance.

How it is being reported

• Legendary Patriots center Jon Morris dead at 84 as Robert Kraft pays emotional tributeA six-time AFL All-Star center for the Boston Patriots from 1964 to 1969, Morris was also a Pro Bowl selection in 1970 when the team joined the NFL as part of the AFL-NFL merger.Daily Mail Sport · 16 Oct, 12:25
• Jon Morris, Patriots AFL All-Star and franchise’s first Pro Bowler, dead at 84Morris spent 11 seasons with the organization.New York Post · 16 Oct, 05:04

In this story: Jon Morris · New England Patriots · Robert Kraft · Boston Patriots · Holy Cross · Detroit Lions · Chicago Bears

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