Earl Morrall's Sports Injuries
Type of Sport: American Football
Earl Morrall's Sports Injuries Table
| Type | Area | Date | Consequences | Content | How It Happened | Recovery Duration | Rehabilitation Details | Impact On Career | Psychological Impact | Previous Injuries | Return To Competition | Severity | Treatment | Medical Staff | Long Term Impact | Preventive Measures | Competition Missed | Initial Symptoms | Re Injury Risk | Support System | Rehabilitation Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Concussions | Head | 1972-10-31 | He experienced dizziness and confusion. | During a regular season game in 1972, Morrall was tackled hard, resulting in a concussion. This was a significant injury given the era's limited understanding and management of concussions. | Earl Morrall sustained a concussion during a game after a hard tackle. | 2 weeks | Rest and limited physical activity were prescribed. | Short-term impact; missed a couple of games. | Mild anxiety about returning to play. | None reported. | 1972-11-15 | Moderate | Rest and observation. | Team doctors and neurologists. | No long-term impact reported. | Improved helmet technology and awareness. | 2 games | Dizziness, confusion, headache. | Moderate | Teammates and family. | Team facilities |
| Knee Injuries | Left Knee | 1971-09-19 | Swelling and instability. | In a 1971 game, Morrall twisted his left knee awkwardly while scrambling to avoid a tackle. This injury caused significant swelling and instability, requiring him to leave the game. | Twisted his knee awkwardly during a scramble. | 4 weeks | Rest, ice, and physical therapy. | Missed several games but returned later in the season. | Worry about long-term damage. | None reported. | 1971-10-18 | Severe | Rest, ice, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medication. | Team doctors and orthopedic specialists. | Occasional knee pain and stiffness. | Knee braces and strengthening exercises. | 4 games | Swelling, pain, instability. | High | Family and team staff. | Team facilities |
| Shoulder Injuries | Right Shoulder | 1970-10-14 | Pain and limited range of motion. | Earl Morrall suffered a right shoulder injury in 1970 during a game when he was sacked. This injury affected his throwing arm, making it challenging to perform at his best. | Injured his shoulder while being sacked during a game. | 3 weeks | Physical therapy and rest. | Missed a few games but returned to play later in the season. | Concern about re-injury. | None reported. | 1970-11-05 | Moderate | Physical therapy, rest, anti-inflammatory medication. | Team doctors and physical therapists. | Mild lingering discomfort. | Strengthening exercises and protective gear. | 3 games | Sharp pain, reduced mobility. | Moderate | Coaches and medical staff. | Team facilities |
Earl Morrall's Sports Injuries Videos
#4 Earl Morrall Leads '72 Dolphins | Top 10 Player Comebacks | NFL Films
Earl Morrall is described as the Forrest Gump of pro football, always present in significant quarterback combinations. His career saw him playing with legends like Y.A. Tittle, Bobby Lane, Fran Tarkenton, Johnny Unitas, and Bob Griese. Morrall could have been forgotten after being on the losing end of Super Bowl III but was claimed off waivers by the Dolphins for $100. Despite initial skepticism from the team due to his age, Morrall led the Dolphins to a perfect season after Bob Griese got injured. He won all 11 of his starts, contributing significantly to the team's success. Though Griese was chosen to start in the Super Bowl once healthy, Morrall's dedication, work ethic, and athleticism were highly respected. In 1972, he was voted the most valuable player, highlighting his crucial role in some phenomenal teams throughout his career.
The NFL Player Who Retired After Winning the MVP: Earl Morrall
In 1968, Baltimore Colts quarterback Earl Morrall had an exceptional season, earning Pro Bowl, First Team All-Pro honors, and the NFL MVP award. Despite this success, Morrall shocked everyone by announcing his retirement in 1969 to join Transnational Communications (TNC) as a vice president. TNC, founded in 1968, aimed to involve former athletes in its investment group and had already acquired NHL and NBA teams. Morrall, then 34, saw this as a perfect post-retirement opportunity. However, he later reversed his decision and continued his NFL career, ultimately winning another Super Bowl with the Miami Dolphins and playing until 1976. Morrall's career is remembered as one of the greatest for a backup quarterback, securing his legacy in NFL history.
Earl Morrall Interview (January 4, 1971)
Earl Edwin Morrall reflects on the different feeling going into the Super Bowl knowing he won't be the starting quarterback. Despite not starting, he acknowledges the ever-present pressure and the need to be prepared in case he is called upon. Morrall emphasizes his role in supporting the team, helping starting quarterback Johnny Unitas by providing insights and reminders about the opposing team's defenses. He expresses his desire to play, highlighting the competitive nature of an athlete who always wants to be in the game rather than on the sidelines.
