Professional Football Researchers Association Forum

After 1968, Earl Morrall had a minimal role for Baltimore Colts from 1969 to 1971.  Don Shula went to the Miami Dolphins after the 1969 season. He traded with Baltimore for Earl Morrall just before the 1972 season.  Memories of 1968 were still fresh in Shula's mind; lightning struck twice.

When Bob Greise got injured, Morrall started nine games.  He completed 150 passes for a 56% completion rate; 1,360 yards and 11 touchdowns.  Miami went undefeated in 1972, culminating with the win over the Redskins in Super Bowl.  Coming in second string, Earl Morrall did it again.  He rarely played thereafter and retired after 1976.

These then were the quarterbacks the Pittsburgh Steelers let go.  They did great things with other teams.
John Unitas, Jack Kemp, Len Dawson, Earl Morrall, and Bill Nelson.

Morrall played a lot for Baltimore in 1971, going 7-2 as the starter but Unitas won the last postseason game the team would win in the 70s, beating Bill Nelson and the Browns before losing to the Dolphins.