Report: Former NFL QB Earl Morrall had Stage 4 CTE

Former NFL quarterback Earl Morrall was found to have Stage 4 CTE in his brain at the time of his death in 2014.

Author:
SI Wire
Publish date:
Feb 3, 2016

Former NFL quarterback Earl Morrall was found to have Stage 4 CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy), when he died in April 2014 at age 79, his family toldThe New York Times.

CTE, which is measured on a scale from one to four, has been linked with repeated head trauma, such as the blows delivered in football. The disease can cause memory loss and depression, among other symptoms. Boston University has now found CTE in 90 of the 94 former NFL players it has studied, seven of which were quarterbacks.

When Morrall died in 2014, his family said it was due to complications from Parkinson’s disease.

Sports Illustrated’s greatest photos in Super Bowl history

Morrall had an All-American career at Michigan State and went on to play 21 seasons in the NFL after being drafted second overall in 1956 by the San Francisco 49ers. He stepped in for an injured Johnny Unitas at quarterback and led the Baltimore Colts to a 13–1 record and Super Bowl III victory in 1968. He also started 11 games during the Dolphins' perfect season in 1972 as he filled in for Bob Griese. Morrall also spent time with the Steelers, Lions, and Giants in his career.

Classic photos of Earl Morrall

Earl Morrall

Here are some classic photos of former NFL quarterback Earl Morrall, who died at the age of 79 on April 25, 2014. Morrall came off the bench and started nine games of the Miami Dolphins perfect 1972 season. He won praise from coach Don Shula for returning to the sideline without complaint when starter Bob Griese came back to play in the final two postseason games, including the Super Bowl to cap the only perfect season in NFL history.

Earl Morrall

Morrall quarterbacks Detroit in a game against the Baltimore Colts. In his 21 NFL seasons, he also played for the 49ers, Steelers and Giants, winning three Super Bowl rings.

Earl Morrall

Johnny Unitas signing autographs in the locker room with Earl Morrall before practice at Memorial Stadium. Morrall was the starting quarterback opposite Joe Namath in the 1969 Super Bowl after guiding the Colts to the conference title and winning the league's MVP award.

Earl Morrall

Baltimore Colts head coach Don Shula speaking to Morrall, Johnny Unitas and teammates during practice at Memorial Stadium.

Earl Morrall

Morrall and Johnny Unitas talk with offensive backfield coach Don McCafferty.

Earl Morrall

Morrall was a Michigan native who played at Michigan State. He led the Spartans to two Rose Bowl victories, and was an infielder in the 1954 College World Series.

Earl Morrall

Morrall on the trainer's table at Memorial Stadium.

Earl Morrall

Morrall on the cover of SI.

Earl Morrall

Morrall, Johnny Unitas and Jerry Logan in the locker room before a game against the Detroit Lions.

Earl Morrall

Morrall is sacked by a Dallas defender at Cotton Bowl Stadium.

Earl Morrall

Defensive lineman Bob Lilly of the Dallas Cowboys stops Morrall during Super Bowl V. The Colts won 15-13 on Jim O'Brien's field goal with :05 seconds to go in the game.

Earl Morrall

Morrall prepares to go back into the game during Super Bowl V against the Dallas Cowboys at the Orange Bowl in Miami.

Earl Morrall

Kidwiler Collection/Diamond Images/Getty Images

Morrall and and head coach Don Shula on the sidelines during a game against the New England Patriots in November 1972.

Earl Morrall

Morrall passes against the Cleveland Browns in a playoff game at Orange Bowl Stadium.

Earl Morrall

Morrall looks downfield for a receiver against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1972 AFC Championship game. At 38, Morrall was the oldest player on the 1972 Dolphins.