I have to admit, I wasn't familiar with this name but I saw this today in the LA Times. Another Buckeye great that represented his state and university well over the years.
Morrison, a two-time NFL champion and the 1950 Rose Bowl most valuable player, died Sunday after developing complications from hip surgery six weeks ago. He was 94.
Born in central Ohio, Morrison quickly adopted the nickname “Curly” because of his hair’s appearance. After graduating from Upper Arlington High, Morrison served in the Marines before attending Ohio State.
He walked on to the team, originally playing tight end, but fought to become a fullback and received his wish.
He shined during his senior season on the biggest stage, rushing for 127 yards and a touchdown in the Buckeyes’ 17-14 win over California in the Rose Bowl and earning the game’s MVP award. He was inducted into the Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2010.
The Bears drafted Morrison in 1950, when he appeared in 12 games as a rookie and rushed for 252 yards and a touchdown. He was traded to the Cleveland Browns in 1954, a move that brought him closer to home. Sophie Morrison said her husband would spend off days in Columbus with the family before returning to Cleveland for work.
He saw limited action as the Browns won the NFL title in 1954, and followed up with his best pro season in 1955, rushing for 824 yards and three touchdowns to help the Browns repeat as champions while earning his only Pro Bowl nod. He played one more season, then retired, taking a job as commentator with CBS.
Morrison, a two-time NFL champion and the 1950 Rose Bowl most valuable player, died Sunday after developing complications from hip surgery six weeks ago. He was 94.
Born in central Ohio, Morrison quickly adopted the nickname “Curly” because of his hair’s appearance. After graduating from Upper Arlington High, Morrison served in the Marines before attending Ohio State.
He walked on to the team, originally playing tight end, but fought to become a fullback and received his wish.
He shined during his senior season on the biggest stage, rushing for 127 yards and a touchdown in the Buckeyes’ 17-14 win over California in the Rose Bowl and earning the game’s MVP award. He was inducted into the Ohio State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2010.
The Bears drafted Morrison in 1950, when he appeared in 12 games as a rookie and rushed for 252 yards and a touchdown. He was traded to the Cleveland Browns in 1954, a move that brought him closer to home. Sophie Morrison said her husband would spend off days in Columbus with the family before returning to Cleveland for work.
He saw limited action as the Browns won the NFL title in 1954, and followed up with his best pro season in 1955, rushing for 824 yards and three touchdowns to help the Browns repeat as champions while earning his only Pro Bowl nod. He played one more season, then retired, taking a job as commentator with CBS.
