Leatherneck Nation

WIU and NFL football player passes on. RIP

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/20 ... ants-game/

In another article, it says that he also served in the US Army: http://www.nj.com/giants/index.ssf/2015 ... obileshort

Morgan was drafted in '74, a year that saw 3 Leathernecks drafted (Morgan, John Teerlink, and Marvin Williams). Sounds like he was a kick-return specialist. He's in the WIU record books...tied at 3rd for longest kick return at 99 yards (against Central Michigan on 10/9/71), and tied for first with kicks returned for TDs with 2 (in 1971). His Wikipedia page says that he started at Bradley, but after they dropped their football program, he transferred to Western.

The Bradley connection is right on. He lived a couple of floors below me in Thompson Hall. He was really a fun loving person, a bit "goofy" but alot of fun. He was a very very smooth runner with a burst of speed which caught many players trying to tackle him off guard. Rest in peace Dennis Morgan! Thanks for the memories. jc

I do remember that 99 yard return- that guy was fast.

It does sound like he was one of those guys...like Devin Hester was for a while...that maybe was a decent RB or WR, but give him a bit of room to ramp up speed (like on a kick return) and he could just kick it into another gear that the coverage team didn't have. Even with all the great players that Dallas has had over the years, he still holds the franchise record for longest punt return (98 yards).

I remember watching that play, as well. Loved cheering for him at Western, and then in Dallas. RIP, Denny.

I apologize for missing this and posting another thread. Reportedly, he ran a 4.3 40. He was certainly fast, a straight line runner...

Bob