1964 Profile: Joe Morrison

Running Back - Defensive Back
No. 40
Cincinnati
"Regarded as perhaps the most versatile offensive player in the NFL, Joe Morrison can be used at fullback, halfback, flanker, tight end and split end; also at defensive back, if necessary. Last season, with Webster hurt, he played fullback and pounded out 568 yards on 119 carries for three touchdowns. Joe is one of the unsung but not unappreciated Giants.
Born August 21, 1937, he was a quarterback at the University of Cincinnati before the Giants drafted him No. 3 in 1959.
Joe is a steel company representative in the off-season."

-Dave Anderson, Pro Football Handbook 1964


"It happens every fall. There's Joe Morrison, waiting on the fringe and wondering where he's going to earn his salary for the season. Suddenly there's an injury and Joe has a job to do, be it (1)running halfback, (2)fullback, (3)split end, (4)flanker, (5)cornerback or (6)safetyman. In this age of specialization, Morrison remains the stubborn holdout, the old-time type who comes to 'play a little football.'
Born in Lima, Ohio, he even played quarterback in college where he also was used - you guessed it - at the other backfield posts. Joe gained 568 yards in 119 carrying efforts in '63 and moved another 284 yards with 31 receptions."

-Don Schiffer, Pro Football 1964

"Coach Sherman would very much like to use Morrison as his flanker back, but he'll probably end up using Joe as his utilityman at both running halfback and at fullback as per usual. Joe is truly the Giants' handy-andy of the backfield; and he can turn in a top-notch job at split end, too, if called upon.
In the course of his numerous duties in 1963, Joe gained 568 yards on the ground in 119 attempts, averaging 4.8 per carry. His top feat was a 70-yard touchdown jaunt. The pass catching statistics show Joe caught 31 heaves for 284 yards and seven touchdowns.
Joe was drafted third by the club in 1959 and quickly became one of the most useful players ever to wear Giants' livery, excelling in rushing, receiving and kick returns."

-Complete Sports 1964 New York Giants