Continuing our series on “Forgotten Steelers of the 80s, and 90s”, this week we bring you Bam Morris. Morris was a 260 pound phenom who only played two seasons in Pittsburgh. Those two seasons were quite memorable however. Let’s take a look at the short, but impactful run he had with the Steelers:
The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Bam Morris in the third round of the 1994 draft out of Texas A+M. In his final year at A+M. Morris led the team in rushing with 1752 yards, and 22 touchdowns. Morris wasn’t your run of the mill sized back coming out of college. He stood six feet tall, and weighed in at an outrageous 259 pounds. His size, and physical running style made him a daunting figure to take down for opposing defenses. https://www.steelers.com/video/otd-morris-seals-the-win-against-the-bills-x7223
In 1994 Morris was the backup to All Pro Barry Foster to start the year. Injuries would plague Foster in his final season in Pittsburgh, opening the door for the rookie running back. Foster would have his breakout game on Monday Night Football in week 8 where he would run for 146 yards and a touchdown against the New York Giants. He would finish his rookie season with 836 yards, and 7 touchdowns.
Morris would spend the 1995 season splitting carries with Eric Pegram. The duo worked extremely well together with Pegram being the smaller faster back to Morris’ power game. The sharing of the running duties did cost him in production that season however. Morris would finish the year with only 559 yards, but with 9 touchdowns.
The postseason is where Bam Morris shined however. He would play a big factor in the divisional round win over the Buffalo Bills with 106 yards, and two touchdowns. Morris would also play a pivotal role in the Super Bowl that season. Despite losing to the Dallas Cowboys, he would lead the team in rushing with 73 yards, and a touchdown. This would end up being his last season in Pittsburgh however despite all the early success.
Bam Morris career with the Steelers came to an abrupt halt after a being convicted of felony drug possession in June of 1996. He was found with 6 pounds of marijuana during a traffic stop in Texas. A plea deal would spare him jail time, but this was enough for the Steelers to release him shortly after the incident. Morris would continue his career in Baltimore, Chicago, and Kansas City. Drug problems continued to haunt him, and eventually cut his career short.
While Bam Morris’ career in Pittsburgh did not last long, it certainly was a memorable run. His physical style, and imposing looks fit right in with the rough and tumble Steelers style. Indeed Morris was a unique back, and one who fit the Pittsburgh Steelers brand to a tee.