Csonka, Kiick & Morris: The Perfect Backfield | A Football Life | NFL Films

[@xipingpooh5783]

These three men epitomize the power, the versatility and the speed in a three back attack that won back to back Superbowls and the only undefeated season in NFL History. It was amazing to watch.

[@carloschavez5368]

I remember that season win, 17-0 very well. Now some of these players and personnel are passed. R.I.P. Jim Kiick R.I.P. Don Shula Thank you for the great memories

[@DopeyDetector]

😂😂😂RIH shula

[@mitchellbaxter6314]

R.I.P. Mercury Morris

[@leewolfe5663]

Larry Csonka has been my hero since I was 9 yrs old, & now that I'm 55 well, you're still my hero!! God bless

[@davidpedersen1564]

Lee Wolfe Yeah I was the same age, growing up in Miami, Everglades elementary at the time. What a great time and town to be a kid!

[@luisbohorquez7096]

Mine too 👍👍👍😁

[@-Pank]

Lee Wolfe he’s my hero in football also. But it’s unfair because he’s my great uncle I believe. He’s my grandfather’s cousin so whatever that’d be

[@josiahmoss3240]

Csonka: the original BEAST mode

[@mattgriffith5044]

I’m 53. Favorite player

[@PhilWood82]

RIP Jim Kiick _"Sundance"_ 1946-2020

[@mikeyoungblood1642]

He would be like Alvin Kamara in today’s game

[@jimmyjames2903]

God bless and now it's Mercury Morris.

[@frankbartoszak7637]

Growing up a dolphin fan in Miami as a kid what a fun team this was to watch fortunate enough to go to 3 games in the undefeated season, I love Dan marino but no.39 zonk will always be my favorite!

[@trwent]

These were three great running backs, but let's also give a little credit to the great offensive line they had in front of them, including center Jim Langer and guards Bob Kuchenberg and Larry Little. Little, in particular, ranks among the greatest guards in NFL history.

[@terrenceolivido741]

it was so beautiful for so many to get recognition after the miami perfect season. it was about a complete team that Shula had brought to that stage. as far as the running backs - only Czonka could overshadow Kiick and Morris, but it was like comparing Caesar to other emperors. instead of individuals of the team entering the Hall of Fame, they just should have put the team ... they achieved the impossible in Miami - if you can believe that. Dolphin as a logo ? I bet Shula had to spend hours making up for all the programming against a sunshine state football team. maybe FSU had had success by than, don't know.

[@jimmyjames2903]

You're absolutely right brother they had a great offensive too.

[@kaylamarie8309]

I loved this Miami Dolphin team. Csonka was the man! One of my all time hero's and just a great guy.

[@juancasanova2519]

So sad we have lost two of of the three. Greatest trio of all time! R.I.P Kiick and Mercury you brought many smiles to me when I was young.

[@blueeyedponti]

Best backfield EVER !! #39 has always been my favorite # Thanks, Csonka

[@Jujuboy0]

RIP Morris a legend

[@dolphingoosby7195]

As a long time miami dolphin fan (1969) the reason the running worked so well was because Don Shula traded to get the greatest wide receiver in NFL history, Paul Warfield. The threat of Warfield opened up the running game.

[@danielneece6404]

Mr.Goosby, I think your spot on.

[@ckobo84]

Adrian Peterson had his best year with Christian Ponder and no passing threat. With teams stacking the line once he broke through there was no one to stop him.

[@terrenceolivido741]

Warfield was almost other-wordly in his flag patterns - he seemed to float down the field.

[@terenceduffy996]

But they had Howard Twilley and Jim Jensen who were also good --- not Warfield but pretty good by any standards.

[@terrenceolivido741]

as i have said before almost the whole team became famous after that season. that was quite wonderful. there are a lot of player positions that rarely get recognition. as the great Marshall Faulk said " football is a team game. " I am seemingly an outlier - i support and appreciate sports - including contact sports - but i also believe winning is not the point. @@terenceduffy996

[@jmgarcia61]

Larry Csonka...the only offensive player ever penalized for unnecessary roughness.

[@thegorn68]

RIP Jim Kiick (1946-2020)

[@connerbustraan2309]

I was looking for this comment

[@clinicaleducator1237]

IF Marino ever had a back field like these 3 there would have been several undefeated seasons.

[@josepoblano1486]

And at least 7 Super Bowl rings.

[@seansimms9433]

Dan Marino...easily the greatest arm in football, I never seen a qb basicly pass his way thru an entire career basicly with zero help, he was the qb version of poor Barry Sanders.

[@caponsacchi]

Nonsense. The reason Marino never won a single Super Bowl has less to do with his running backs than his style of passing. if the Dolphins were behind, he wasn't the guy to drop back and throw on-target 55-65 yard bombs. Shula always made sure Dan had quick, breakaway receivers who could get open for Dan's quick releases, guys with sure hands and fast, elusive feet--Nat Moore, Tony Nathan, etc. Without them, Dan toward the end of his career looked slow and robotic. He was the master of quick release--more than Montana--but not as elusive and clutch as Joe.

[@johnconnell4503]

I agree never thought like that just WOW

[@johnconnell4503]

@@caponsacchi nice comment

[@pjw1016]

The best, most well coached team in history and that no name defense…legendary.

[@hifrommike2120]

My favorite football team & squad of all time.

[@PhinPhan39]

R.I.P. Eugene "Mercury" Morris (1947-2024)

[@quincee3376]

RIP Mercury Morris and RIP Jim Kiick.

[@JavierLaughin]

Kiick and Csonka..no doubt bruisers...but for sheer speed and great moves--->Mercury Morris...smart guy too

[@TheSaltBoiCometh]

Larry Csonka was the original Beastmode

[@billythebossman82]

U got that from KTO

[@harleydavidsonmotors2000]

Will McClellan yeah he did

[@crankybastid2197]

Hell yeah!

[@bjchit]

Larry displaying why he was not only a great fullback, but also the best announcer in American Gladiator's history.

[@billdang3953]

Anybody remember that episode of the 6 Million Dollar Man TV show where Larry Csonka had a guest apperance?

[@counterpuncher01]

Mercury is my fav NFL player ever!

[@scottp4791]

RIP Jimmy Kiick #21..... :(

[@jimmyjames2903]

It's my. Favorite best team of all time. The number one backfield of all time.

[@giorgiogazzola5972]

Csonka's mustache could stiffarm a charging bull.

[@ModeloLoveMeLongTime]

That's a fantastic fact in which I agree.

[@giorgiogazzola5972]

@@ModeloLoveMeLongTime Cheers

[@Cjnw]

Hungary "Chonka" Stronk !! 😛

[@crankybastid2197]

Th era I started watching football. I watched Superbowl as my first game. I was just a kid but was glued to the set. They are still both my favourite teams. Miami however is my #1, always will be.1972 cemented that love. Dan Marino made me want to stay with them. Now it's Tua. Phins up!

[@ronsmac]

Great trio. Probably the best the nfl has seen. Speaking of great backs on one team. The Miami hurricanes had Clinton Portis, Willis Mcgahee and Frank Gore . All 3 became NFL pro bowl rbs.

[@FuriousMan226]

Million Dollar Backfield was better

[@Bobateaskincareandmakeup]

Such great memories

[@georgefleenor5446]

Csonka ran the ball like a runaway Mack truck he was my idol growing up

[@starterdc27]

My first NFL team as a kid .

[@MrSevenstars1]

When I was a kid, Johnny Unitas was my hero. But then I watched the Phins outplay the Colts in the 1972 AFC Champ. game and I jumped on that NEW bandwagon and never looked back. The Dolphins had it ALL, and these three helped the offense move the chains for the next two years. The Perfect Season had a perfect backfield. The whole starting lineup on both sides of the ball were great. My humble opinion and the sports journal's facts.

[@Cdawg5666]

I loved it when Shula, who was notoriously guarded when coaching took the mic in that last banquet w the ‘72 team said “ People might think we celebrate too much” And then he paused and said “But the hell with 'em.”

[@jimmyjames2903]

This is so wonderful my favorite player of all time Larry zonka I love him to death thank you so much for this video

[@bluetickfreddy101]

All 3 were my childhood hero’s Also this was the era when i loved the game. Sad to say not so much anymore.

[@sludge8506]

No one misses you. Attendance and TV ratings are sky high!!!

[@bluetickfreddy101]

@@sludge8506 Ok my friend please try to be respectful to the seniors😎. Try to have an open mind to other views. Have nice day!

[@bluetickfreddy101]

@@sludge8506 btw i played d1 ball as running back and lasted 1 day at dolphin camp.

[@sludge8506]

@@bluetickfreddy101 In my opinion, you have brought unneeded negativity to this wonderful video. Yes, you have a right to express an opinion, as do I. By the way, Jim Kiick was pretty much brain dead when he died. 😟😟

[@10242003american]

In later years , I worked with a company who had the rights to the memorabilia for the 25th anniversary for the 72 team. I became friends with Jim ,great guy ,class act and a good family man . Also enjoyed working with Csonka , he laughed when I brought a TV episode he was in in Emergency where he lost his mind due to a chemical reaction. A good guy as well . All of that team appreciated the fan devotion of the community

[@terrenceolivido741]

it is sooo sad that no one recognizes what makes a team great. it is the connection with the fans. i will not say more, but you and i agree that more important than winning is to be a hero for the kids. its the kids growing up that are important.

[@charleswilliams6758]

Just lost Mercury Morris yesterday. This was another gut punch.

[@nylontusk1289]

Three great men, simply, outstanding men! Csonka is the total package, Pure Class, and Beat your Ass. He would have been revered even in Ancient Greece! A man you can plug in into any time throughout history, and he would still be A Man's Man and the most Kick Ass Man in the room, while being Loved and admired all at the same time. Csonka For President!!!

[@cameroncook3863]

HANDS DOWN THE BEST BACK FIELD EVER !!!!!

[@jimmyjames2903]

Oh boy, my boys.

[@anglowarrior3871]

Only Zonk left now,RIP Jim and now Merc.

[@cschoen100]

Kiick was versatile tho. He was a good receiver and blocker and was more than capable as a runner. Definitely had a nose for the endzone

[@sludge8506]

33 touchdowns in 115 games!!! Larry, 68 touchdowns in 146 games. MM, 32 touchdowns in 99 games. Only broke 4.0 yards per carry *once.* (3.7 ypc in the regular season, 3.5 ypc in the playoffs.)

[@cschoen100]

@sludge8506 Relax. Never said Kiick was ever better than Morris. I preferred Morris. I'm just saying Kiick was a well rounded back, not a great runner but a good all around Back and he produced. Took Morris a while to beat him out as the starting tailback.

[@sludge8506]

@@cschoen100 Relax. You expressed opinions. I expressed facts. Big difference, champ. 🏈🏈

[@cschoen100]

@sludge8506 wtf, are you talking about? Kiick averaged 3.7 ypc in his career. MM 5.1. MM was a better RUNNER. Kiick maybe the better all around back. Certainty a better receiver.

[@sludge8506]

@@cschoen100 😴😴😴😴

[@danielneece6404]

I love these films brings back a lot of memories watching my heroes once again thank you NFL films

[@alfredosoto1088]

RIP Jim kiick

[@oldmanballer5088]

Larry Csonka the only running back I ever saw get an unnecessary roughness penalty for throwing a forearm shiver into a defenders head/helmet! Lol

[@mikeyoungblood1642]

Jim Kiick was so ahead of his time! He was the Priest Holmes of his era.

[@Cdawg5666]

I was gonna say Marcus Allen w the versatility but Priest is also a good comp

[@sludge8506]

Jim Kiick averaged +4.0 yards per carry *once* in his career. Larry and Mercury averaged +4.0 yards per carry for their careers. Tell us more, though! 🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️

[@haroldsmyth6685]

Averaged 30+ receptions a year​@@sludge8506

[@t4texastom587]

I'm a Tom Landry-era Dallas Cowboys fan.... since 1963. That early '70s Miami Dolphins team was just awesome, on both sides of the ball. Their offensive backfield with Bob Griese, Earl Morrall, Murcury Morris, Larry Csonka, and Jim Kiick were one of the greatest in NFL history. R. I. P. JIM#21🏈 KIICK MURCURY#22🏈 MORRIS God bless our pro football heroes from a by-gone era 🏈

[@Mryrhodesian]

Never was a Dolphin fan but the '73 team(not the perfect season) is the one squad I will never forget. Awesome, Excellence, and Dominating are the words that come to mind when i think of that team and their backfield was a big reason for their success.

[@kevinkhoy7171]

Those 3 Guys were seriously under paid! 💲

[@captjim007]

Hey Mercury, you should of sent OJ your autograph after winning the perfect season. I was 7 in 72 and I was already a Dolphin fan for 2 years.

[@gs1100ed]

He should send OJ his autograph for NOT going to jail

[@sjames304]

I had forgotten how good this backfield was. Was there better? Three guys? Nope.

[@t4texastom587]

Larry Csonka and John Riggins were two of a kind. They were AWESOME 🏈

[@johnthecrouton]

RIP Merc Morris

[@BobJohnston-gy1nh]

Remember them well. One of the best trios ever

[@scottpowers5191]

What a trio!!! They were great!!!

[@aronkaspar6369]

Complete badass from head to toe. Larry Csonka

[@markclark7178]

Easily the best backfield ever in the NFL !

[@sanjaymodi2344]

Mark Clark Of course! Who wouldn't agree?

[@BogWraith1]

Son, I'd advise you to go to your local library and learn something because you obviously don't know how to do research on a computer. It will stand you in good stead as you learn what a complete dumb ass you are for your statement! Let me give you a head start, The above 3 gentlemen are the BEST backfield in the history of football. Now please go away because you have embarrassed yourself enough already!

[@jamesleathers5488]

I have never been a Dolphins fan but that backfield was something to marvel at. It would be hard to argue against them being the best overall I agree.

[@brucelee6834]

They were awesome, but gotta give credit to the 90s Dallas backfield, troy Emmitt and Daryl Johnson

[@6400az]

+Mark Clark Just about, but the Packers have to be up there as well and set the blue print. Shula's offense was built to emulate the great Packer ground and pound offense of the 60's with Jim Taylor, Paul Hornung and speedster Elijah Pitts. Also, QB's just about the same style and of course the great offensive line.

[@LoadPast]

power, versatility, speed

[@wanlitan7406]

When Csonka wasn't doing great, Morris shouldered the load, and Larry delivered in the SB.

[@jimgiordano5328]

Players are making millions of dollars a year- now. Times were different back then.. I think they were awesome

[@177kimo]

In my teens when he played with the Dolphins. He sure was fun to watch even though he didn't play for my Broncos! Rest in Peace!

[@kenarthur6253]

Bob Griese had so many great options, these 3 plus guys like Warfield. Still the greatest and only undefeated team ever. 💪

[@shnuglie7998]

The Perfect Season Indeed

[@albertogonzales2854]

The original triple threat!!!! You should have sent him a picture of your Super Bowl Rings!

[@mjt11860]

i'm a redskins fan, but i always admired how much of a bulldozer csonka was & how fast, quick & elusive morris was. i had a schoolmate who was a mixture of both, the perfect running back. he was an incredible athlete. it was a joy to watch him run. it's a shame that he broke his neck in a tumbling accident & ended up in a wheelchair. what a waste of talent, but more so, he was a great guy.

[@terrenceolivido741]

heartbreaker.

[@ray6659]

That is still my favorite backfield of all time.

[@FuriousMan226]

R.I.P. Jim Kiick

[@georgefleenor5446]

This was the best backfield ever in pro football

[@FuriousMan226]

Million Dollar Backfield was better. All of them were Hall of Famers

[@Thornus_______]

Csonka that man was a Tank on two legs

[@lemontadams3029]

Mercury was my guy modern all purpose RB

[@bruceheishman7831]

I wore #22 my whole life in whatever sport I played because of Eugene Mercury Morris.

[@vinny6685]

Morris looks like he can still play !

[@jeffreyivery4299]

I now have Jim Kiick and Larry Csonka Football jerseys and now I'm going to get Mercury Morrs jersey next

[@dantesinfernopurgatory7826]

With that 3-headed monster, opponents had to choose their poison..

[@batouttahell454]

I think they were the 3 Best Backs on any Team, Past or Present!

[@DColskoolCMoore61]

When footrball was football, y'all!!

[@Jiltedin2007]

Could you imagine a backfield with Mercury Morris and Larry Czonka along with “Mark I” and “Mark II” going deep? 1972 would have been repeated over and over again for Dan Marino in Miami! Mark I: Mark Clayton Mark II: Mark Duper

[@GeorgeVreelandHill]

The greatest team ever.

[@markclark7178]

On national tv about every week if I remember right .

[@richardmadden7222]

The play isn't here. But I remember in 1972, Mercury Morris ran straight into Mean Joe Green ( at the orange bowl). Full Speed! Morris bounced off of Green like a pinball. Ran for 30 or 40 yards after. I've never seen a play like that since.

[@fritterfoof5146]

1971 , maybe .

[@terrenceolivido741]

he supposedly could bench 330lbs.

[@charlesrazo7246]

Butch, Cassidy and the Sundance kid

[@markeder4208]

39, 21, 22. We wore the same numbers in our backfield!

[@ningxiawolfberry]

Did they get all three in the backfield at the same time? Kiick's playing time was reduced with the arrival of Mercury Morris

[@6400az]

Morris was easily the most talented of the three. You gotta leave Csonka in there, but he should have played a lot more than Kick . By far, a superior player 2:39

[@haroldsmyth6685]

Fumbled Alot useless in passing game. Couldnt pick up blitzers. Catch a screen once in a while. But right far superior runner. No one like him

[@ningxiawolfberry]

@@haroldsmyth6685 Funny everything you said Mercury wasn't Kiick was good at.

[@ningxiawolfberry]

All three had their strengths. I would have loved to see three of them in the backfield at once.

[@terrenceolivido741]

not true - but i will say it is a damn credit to Mercury that he did not bad mouth the situation. others say imagine if Marino had been with the team. ... that would have been a waste. i will go out on a limn and say they would have been almost as good without Mercury - probably not a perfect season tho. Kiick and Czonka had a chemistry and Kiick - when he was not too hungover - was really a great player. i agree with you that Mercury may have shined more on another team that he played full-time.

[@craigd2892]

Legends

[@stevewilams867]

Good stuff.

[@mont7481]

Great video

[@oluhamilton2121]

Morris wore some unusual running shoes

[@georgefleenor5446]

I would take the 1972 and 73 Dolphins they would run the ball down the other teams team's throat

[@daveyankees9]

The best!!!

[@TheArtOfDean]

I miss the running offense in the NFL that had at least TWO running backs that can hurt you. These Dolphins had THREE, for crying out loud.

[@ccth22]

Wow Csonka was huge. But Kiick was bigger than most db’s and some backers as well...

[@bradleylove8606]

Yes and a wide receiver like Warfield with Greise as QB. That's how they won two superbowls back in the early 70s.

[@JoeCasey-y5u]

Only one left😢

[@thegator589]

This was when football was football...

[@martybritton267]

Back when football was football

[@Luther-1968]

Morris would make it today as a running back. Not the other two.

[@JeffBeyer-s3w]

Unfortunately for the dolphins, Shula would completely forget the meaning the word backfield after he drafted ❤

[@lannybrasher2452]

Csonka and mercury Morris weren't a bad combo . Henery and Spears? Who knows.

[@maximusbishop2808]

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 *football is life ⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽⚽* 0:49 🧡🖤🔥 👇👇👇👇💓

[@sageh3634]

🔥🔥🔥 *how much excitement there is* 0:48 🔥💚 👇 👇 👇💛

[@whitelightning393]

👊

[@percivalsweetwater9992]

Shortly after this video was published, it was revealed Jim Kiick was suffering from early onset dementia, likely due to head trauma encountered in the NFL.