The 2012 season was the most exciting and memorable year for the Washington Redskins since 1991. The Redskins surprised many by winning the NFC East division title after ripping off eight consecutive wins. A large part of their success that season was two rookies — quarterback Robert Griffin III and running back Alfred Morris.
Griffin received all the accolades and attention, winning Offensive Rookie of the Year. However, the sixth-round pick, Morris was instrumental in Washington’s improbable season.
As a rookie, Morris set the Redskins’ single-season rushing record with 1,613 yards. He also added 13 touchdowns.
His efforts garnered him an impressive 91.0 grade from Pro Football Focus. That was highest mark of any rookie running back for the decade of the 2010’s.
PFF’s grades are subjective. However, many football analysts reference the analytical website. While studs such as Saquon Barkley, Ezekiel Elliott and Kareem Hunt garnered more attention, Morris had the best rookie season. He was even unheralded among Redskins fans in some ways.
Just to think, Morris entered training camp fourth on the depth chart behind Tim Hightower, Evan Royster and Roy Helu on the depth chart.
Morris followed his impressive rookie season with two additional 1,000-yard rushing seasons. He spent four seasons with the Redskins, rushing for a 4,713 yards and 29 touchdowns from 2012-2015. Only current Redskins running back Adrian Peterson had more yards during that span.
Morris spent two seasons with the Dallas Cowboys following his departure from the Redskins. The emergence of Elliott relegated Morris to a third-down back. He spent 2018 with the San Francisco 49ers and played one game with the Arizona Cardinals last season.
His better days are behind him, but he left a memorable impression on a generation of Redskins fans. He remains fifth all-time on Washington’s career rushing list.
