Patriots helmet (Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports)

New England Patriots Legend Has Died

Originally posted on Total Pro Sports
By Darrelle Lincoln | Last updated Oct 16, 2026 11:35 AM ET

The New England Patriots organization is in mourning this week after the death of Jon Morris.

The Patriots announced Morris’ death in a statement Thursday. They referred to him as “one of the franchise’s earliest stars and among the most accomplished centers of his era.” His cause of death or when it happened was not announced.

“Jon Morris was one of the great players who helped build the foundation of our franchise,” Patriots owner Robert Kraft said in the team’s statement.

https://twitter.com/Patriots/status/2110842248602833312

“For generations of Patriots fans, he represented the toughness, dedication, and pride of those early teams. … On behalf of our family and the entire Patriots organization, we extend our deepest condolences to Jon’s family, friends, and former teammates.”

More On Jon Morris

Jon Morris (Mandatory Credit: Dick Raphael-USA TODAY Sports)

Most fans are too young to know much about Jon Morris. He spent 11 seasons with the organization from 1964 through 1974. He started his career with the Patriots while they were still the Boston Patriots in the AFL. At the time, he appeared in six AFL All-Star Games and was also the franchise’s first NFL Pro Bowler in 1970.

In the 1964 AFL Draft, Jon Morris was selected by the Patriots. Consequently, in the NFL Draft, the Packers also took him. Morris opted to start his pro career in New England. He later played for the Lions from 1975-77 and for the Bears in 1978 before retiring at age 36.

Following his career, he returned to where it all started, working as a radio color commentator from 1979 to 1987. In 2011, he was selected by the senior selection committee to be placed into the Patriots Hall of Fame.

This article first appeared on Total Pro Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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