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Patriots great Jon Morris has died, the team announced Thursday.
He was 84.
Morris spent 11 seasons with the organization from 1964 through 1974 during a career that New England described as “one of the franchise’s earliest stars and among the most accomplished centers of his era” in a statement.
The news release did not state a cause of death.
“Jon Morris was one of the great players who helped build the foundation of our franchise,” Patriots chairman and CEO Robert Kraft said in a statement. “For generations of Patriots fans, he represented the toughness, dedication and pride of those early teams. It meant so much to me to call Jon in 2011 and tell him he had been selected to our Hall of Fame, ensuring that his contributions would always be remembered. On behalf of our family and the entire Patriots organization, we extend our deepest condolences to Jon’s family, friends and former teammates.”
He started his career with the Patriots while they were still the Boston Patriots in the AFL and appeared in six AFL All-Star Games. He was also the franchise’s first NFL Pro Bowler in 1970.
“The Patriots extend their heartfelt sympathies to all who knew and loved him,” the team added.
Morris was selected by the Patriots in the 1964 AFL Draft and by the Packers in the NFL’s draft that same year. The Holy Cross product opted to start his pro career in New England.
He later played for the Lions from 1975-77 and the Bears in 1978 before retiring at the age of 36.
Morris came back to New England to work as a radio color commentator starting in 1979 and remained in the role until 1987, and he later provided analysis for NBC.
Morris was selected by the senior selection committee to be placed into the Patriots Hall of Fame in 2011, which he described as the “crowning achievement of my football life.”