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Former Patriots Center Jon Morris Dies at Age 84

Former Boston and New England Patriots center Jon Morris has died at age 84 after playing 15 pro seasons.

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A Patriots legend passes away

Former Boston and New England Patriots center Jon Morris has died at the age of 84. The Patriots announced his death on Thursday, though no cause of death was given. Morris spent 11 of his 15 pro seasons with the franchise and remained a respected figure among fans.

Patriots chairman and CEO Robert Kraft remembered the former player after the news broke. Kraft said Jon Morris was one of the great players who helped build the foundation of our franchise. Kraft added that for generations of Patriots fans, he represented the toughness, dedication and pride of those early teams.

Building a standout football career

Morris first made his mark in college as a standout player at Holy Cross. In 1964, he faced a choice after being selected by two separate leagues. The Green Bay Packers picked him in the second round of the NFL draft, while the Boston Patriots took him in the fourth round of the AFL draft.

Morris chose to play in New England. That decision launched a 15 season professional career. He became a six time AFL All Star center for Boston from 1964 to 1969. In 1970, when the team joined the NFL as part of the merger, Morris earned a Pro Bowl selection. During his time on the offensive line, he blocked alongside future Patriots Hall of Famers Gino Cappelletti, Babe Parilli and Jim Nance.

Honors and later years in the league

Morris eventually left New England to finish his playing career elsewhere. He spent three seasons with Detroit from 1974 to 1977, before playing his final season with Chicago in 1978.

His contributions in New England were honored years later. The team named Morris to its 50th anniversary team in 2009. Two years later, in 2011, he earned induction into the Patriots Hall of Fame.

What it means for the next game

New York Jets at New England Patriots (NFL, Sun, 18 Oct): New England Patriots win 74%, New York Jets win 26%; projected score New England Patriots 26, New York Jets 17. Our safest pick: Patriots to win.

New England Patriots at Chicago Bears (NFL, Fri, 23 Oct): Chicago Bears win 52%, New England Patriots win 48%; projected score Chicago Bears 25, New England Patriots 22. Our safest pick: Under 55.5 points.