Don Alan Morrison, a former professional football player who was an offensive tackle in the NFL, passed away peacefully on Monday, September 1, 2025, at the age of 75, at his house in Wolfe City, Texas.
Born on December 16, 1949, in Fort Worth, Texas, to parents Sanford Wilson Morrison and Mildred Viola Youngquist, Don Morrison began his athletic journey from a very young age.
He played multiple sports, including football, track and field, and baseball, at Forney High School, where he was a 13-time letter winner.
Similarly, Don continued his athletic career at the University of Texas at Arlington, where he excelled in both football and track and field.
During his remarkable tenure from 1968 to 1970 at UTA, Don won the hearts of many with his outstanding performance and earned several prestigious titles.
He earned second-team all-conference in 1969 and first-team all-league after the 1969 season, playing for the men’s football team.
Don was named co-captain of the 1970 football team and earned honorable mention All-America accolades twice.
Likewise, Morisson competed in javelin, shot put, and discus for the track team. For her outstanding journey as a football player and track and field star, he was inducted into the University of Texas-Arlington’s Hall of Honor in 2018.
Late Don Morrison Began His NFL Journey With the New Orleans Saints in 1971
Following his collegiate career at the University of Texas-Arlington, where he played for the Mavericks, Don Morrison was selected in the fourth round of the 1971 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints.
He played seven seasons, and 94 games, with the Saints from 1971 to 77, before joining the Baltimore Colts in 1978 and the Detroit Lions in 1979.
He was also nominated for Man of the Year in 1973 while playing for the Saints.
Furthermore, retiring from his professiona football career, Don Morrison began his career as a firefighter at University Park, serving in that position for two decades.
He also pursued a career as a financial planner and served as the Constable of Precinct 3, positively impacting the lives of many in the community.
In addition to being an exceptional athlete, Don Morrison was also a devoted husband to his wife, Stephanie Morrison. The couple lived in Wolfe City, Texas.
Similarly, Don Morrison proudly raised two successful children, son Chris Morrison and daughter Katie Morrison.
Chris followed in his father’s footsteps in sports, playing baseball at Wolfe City High School and Southwestern Oklahoma State University.
Chris Morrison lives with his wife, Lacie Keplinger Morrison, and kids in Lawton, Oklahoma, and serves as a firefighter.
Likewise, Don’s daughter, Katie Morrison Walden, is the owner of Mugs on the Square, a coffee shop in Texas. She graduated from Texas A&M University-Commerce and lives with her husband, Jordan, and children.
In addition to his wife and children, Don Morrison is survived by his ex-partner, Marsha Brown, the mother of his children; other children, Sean Green, Amber Landeros, and Juan; his stepchildren, Chance Green and Karley; and ten grandchildren.
In Case You Didn’t Know
- Visitation will be held on Friday, September 5, 2025, and a memorial service celebrating Don’s life and legacy will take place on Saturday, September 6, at R.W. Owens Funeral Home in Wolfe City, Texas.
