Stanley Morgan TTM Success

Bill January 13, 2025 2 Comments

TTM Stats

• Sent: 4/15/2022 | Received: 6/3/2022 | 48 Days
• ’81 Topps, ’89 Topps, ’90 Fleer, ’90 Pro Set
• Address: PO Box (address from Sports Card Forum)

The Story of the Autograph

In the annals of NFL history, certain players stand out not only for their talent but also for their consistent excellence and professionalism. Stanley Morgan is one such player—a wide receiver whose career epitomized precision, reliability, and game-changing ability.

Stanley Douglas Morgan was born on February 17, 1955, in Easley, South Carolina. His journey to NFL stardom began at Easley High School, where he showcased his athletic versatility in football (including a state championship in 1972), basketball, and track. His speed and agility made him a standout athlete, catching the attention of college scouts. Morgan chose to attend the University of Tennessee, where he became one of the most electrifying players in college football. At Tennessee, Morgan’s combination of speed, route-running, and big-play ability helped him excel as both a receiver and a return specialist. He set numerous records for the Volunteers and earned All-SEC honors, cementing his status as one of the top prospects in the 1977 NFL Draft.

The New England Patriots selected Stanley Morgan in the first round of the 1977 NFL Draft, with the 25th overall pick. It proved to be a franchise-defining choice. Morgan spent 13 seasons with the Patriots (1977–1989), becoming one of the most productive wide receivers of his era. Morgan’s hallmark was his ability to stretch the field with deep receptions. He led the NFL in yards per reception three times (1979, 1980, and 1981), demonstrating an unparalleled knack for turning short passes into long gains. His career average of 19.2 yards per catch remains one of the highest in NFL history.

In 1986, Morgan played a crucial role in helping the Patriots reach Super Bowl XX. Though the team fell short against the Chicago Bears, Morgan’s performance throughout the season underscored his importance to the franchise.

Morgan finished his time with the Patriots as the team’s all-time leader in receiving yards (10,352) and receiving touchdowns (67), records that stood for decades. After a brief stint with the Indianapolis Colts in 1990, Morgan retired from the NFL, leaving behind a legacy of excellence.

Morgan was often described as a “complete receiver.” While his speed and big-play ability garnered headlines, his work ethic, precise route-running, and sure hands made him a quarterback’s dream target. His consistency over 14 NFL seasons earned him four Pro Bowl selections and widespread respect among peers and fans alike. Despite his impressive statistics and contributions to the game, Morgan’s name is often absent from discussions of the Pro Football Hall of Fame—a point of contention among many Patriots fans and football historians who recognize his impact on the sport.

After retiring from professional football, Morgan focused on his family and various business ventures. He has also remained connected to the game, participating in Patriots alumni events and mentoring young athletes. Morgan’s humility and character have made him a beloved figure in New England and beyond. His contributions to the Patriots franchise have been celebrated with induction into the Patriots Hall of Fame in 2007, ensuring his legacy will endure for future generations of fans.

Stanley Morgan’s football career is a testament to what can be achieved through hard work, talent, and dedication. As one of the premier wide receivers of his time, he redefined what it meant to be a deep threat while also excelling in every other aspect of the game. Whether it was making a critical catch in a playoff game or mentoring younger teammates, Morgan left an indelible mark on the NFL and remains a shining example of excellence on and off the field.

The Score on Stanley Morgan – 7.5

Stanley has what looks to me like a pretty quick signature. That means it doesn’t end up having a lot of detail or style to it. That said, I like how much of the card it takes up. As you can see he personalizes it. However, it almost looks like he wrote different things. I can see “Bill,” “Big”, and “Bil.” All good – that’s the quirks of a TTM return.

Thanks Mr. Morgan! I’m giving this return a 7.5 overall.

This is my third successful return from him. To see the other successful returns, check out these posts:

• April 2018
• March 2022

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Information gathered using Wikipedia and Pro Football Reference.