Joe Morris named MS Society award recipient

Written by Kristan Zimmer
Sunday, 01 November 2009 23:00

Former New York Giants running back Joe Morris has been named by the National MS Society, Connecticut Chapter to receive the 2009 J. Walter Kennedy Award at this year’s MS Dinner of Champions Thursday, Nov. 12, in Greenwich.

A four-year starter at Syracuse University, North Carolina native Mr. Morris set all of the all-time rushing records rushing for 4,229 yards in four seasons, exceeding former greats Jim Brown, Larry Csonka and Floyd Little. An All-American choice by his senior year, he was selected to play in the Blue-Gray, East-West Shrine and Senior Bowl games before signing on with the New York Giants in 1982.

As a rookie with the New York Giants, the five-foot, seven-inch running back scored a touchdown on his very first rushing attempt. In 1985, Mr. Morris rushed for 1,336 yards and a league-leading 21 touchdowns. He went on to rush for 141 yards in the team’s 17-3 postseason win over the San Francisco 49ers. Mr. Morris was a key member of the 1986 Giants Super Bowl Championship team rushing his way to a 1,000-yard season. He went on to rush for more than 2,000 yards over the next two seasons, moving past Alex Webster as the all-time Giants leader.

In the Giants’ quest for the Lombardi Trophy, Mr. Morris rushed for 313 yards in three playoff games including a 159-yard, two-touchdown performance against the San Francisco 49ers. He was not only selected to the Pro Bowl in 1985 and 1986 but also received All-NFL Honors for his performance each year. Mr. Morris retired from professional football in 1991 with the Cleveland Browns and finished his NFL career with 5,585 rushing yards, 111 receptions for 960 yards, and 52 touchdowns. Mr. Morris now works in real estate and insurance. He has two children and lives in New Jersey.

The J. Walter Kennedy Memorial Award is presented by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Connecticut Chapter in recognition of the extraordinary accomplishments of gifted athletes and their championship teams. These champion athletes also illustrate for others what can be achieved when exceptional talent is combined with perseverance, courage and teamwork on the field.

“Joe Morris was an outstanding athlete, having demonstrated remarkable talent and skill on and off the field,” said Lisa Gerrol, Connecticut Chapter president. “We are delighted to present Joe with this year’s J. Walter Kennedy Award.”

The 31st MS Dinner of Champions will be held at the Hyatt Regency in Old Greenwich and will be hosted by Stamford native Bobby Valentine, who recently signed on with ESPN and Baseball Tonight. William Hayward “Mookie” Wilson, inductee to the New York Mets Hall of Fame, has also been named to receive the 2009 J. Walter Kennedy Award.

For more information or to purchase tickets to the 2009 MS Dinner of Champions, call Kim Maloney at 800-FIGHT MS or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .