Former NFL center, Kentucky and Baylor coach Guy Morriss dies at 71

Longtime NFL center and former Kentucky and Baylor coach Guy Morriss died on Monday night.

He was 71.

His cause of death is not known, though Morriss was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016. Per ESPN, his doctor believes that the diagnosis was caused largely by his playing career.

Kentucky athletic director Mitch Barnhart, who joined the university in 2002, said in a statement. “He was both liked and respected by the players, who responded to his fair, no-nonsense approach with their best efforts. His six years at UK feature some of the best players and most exciting moments in our history.”

Morriss spent two seasons leading Kentucky from 2001-2002, and then spent five seasons at Baylor from 2003-2007. He compiled a 27-54 overall record, and had one winning season with the Wildcats in 2002. He also spent time as an assistant at Kentucky and led D-II Texas A&M-Commerce.

Morris played in the NFL from 1973-1987, first with the Philadelphia Eagles — who took him with the No. 28 overall pick in 1973 out of TCU. He spent the next decade with the Eagles before a four-year stint with the New England Patriots to close out his career. Morris appeared in 229 total games throughout his career.