Greg Morton

Gregory Alan Morton (October 8, 1953 – January 23, 2025) was an American football defensive lineman who played college football for the Michigan Wolverines and briefly in the National Football League (NFL) for the Buffalo Bills.^[1] Born in Akron, Ohio, Morton attended Central-Hower High School before enrolling at the University of Michigan, where he earned a BA and later an MA in education administration. He played defensive tackle for Michigan from 1973 to 1976, starting in 34 of 35 games during his final three seasons and earning ABC's outstanding lineman honors in the 1976 Rose Bowl.^[2]^[1] Selected by the Buffalo Bills in the eighth round (197th overall) of the 1977 NFL draft, Morton appeared in nine games as a defensive end during his rookie season before retiring from professional play. Afterward, he worked as a probation officer in Tarrant County, Texas, officiated college football games in conferences including the SWAC and WAC, and volunteered for 12 years with the Foster Grandparents Program in Akron. Morton was married to Patricia Russell from 1978 until his death and had two daughters. He died on January 23, 2025, at age 71.^[1]^[2]^[3]

Early life

Upbringing in Akron

Gregory Alan Morton was born on October 9, 1953, in Akron, Ohio, to parents Hazel and Lavon Morton.^[2]^[3] He grew up in a family that included siblings Anthony, Dwight, Donna J. Wilson, James R. Dew, Patricia Morton, and Gerald Morton.^[2] His mother, Hazel Morton, played a key role in his early development by ensuring his perfect attendance in school, emphasizing the importance of education within the household.^[3] Morton's early childhood unfolded in Akron, located in Summit County, where he was educated in the local public school system before entering high school.^[2]^[3] During this period, he gained initial exposure to sports through participation in peewee football, fostering an early interest in athletics amid the community's working-class environment.^[3]

High school career

Morton attended Akron Central-Hower High School in Akron, Ohio, graduating in 1972 after the merger of Central High School and Hower Vocational High School.^[3]^[1] At Central-Hower, Morton emerged as a standout football player, excelling on the defensive line.^[4] His performance led to him becoming the first student from the school to earn an NCAA Division I football scholarship, a significant local milestone that highlighted his potential as an athlete.^[3]^[4] This accomplishment underscored his dedication and skill, setting him apart among peers in the Akron area.

College career

Football at Michigan

Greg Morton enrolled at the University of Michigan in 1973 after receiving a scholarship from his high school performance at Central-Hower High School in Akron, Ohio. He played college football for the Michigan Wolverines from 1973 to 1976 as a defensive tackle under head coach Bo Schembechler.^[1]^[5] Morton appeared in games as a freshman in 1973 before becoming a starter in 1974. He started 34 of 35 games at defensive tackle from 1974 to 1976, earning varsity letters each of those three seasons. Known by the nickname "Mo," he was a key anchor on the defensive line for teams that compiled a 28-5-2 record during his starting years, including Big Ten championships in 1974 and 1976.^[3]^[5]^[6] Over his career, Morton amassed 336 tackles, ranking 11th in Michigan history at the time modern records were updated, along with 33 tackles for loss; at the end of his collegiate career, he ranked third in the program's all-time records for both categories. His defensive contributions were particularly notable in Big Ten matchups, where the Wolverines' line, led by Morton, held opponents to low rushing averages, helping secure conference titles and Rose Bowl berths.^[6]^[7]^[3] Morton earned first-team All-Big Ten honors from both the Associated Press and United Press International in 1975 and 1976. In 1976, he was selected as the ABC Defensive Player of the Year. He also received the Meyer Morton Award that year, recognizing the player showing the greatest development and most promise.^[3]^[8]

Academic and extracurricular activities

During his undergraduate and graduate studies at the University of Michigan, Greg Morton focused on education-related fields, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Arts degree in Education Administration and Supervision.^[3]^[2] These degrees equipped him with a strong foundation in administrative principles and supervisory practices, aligning with his later professional interests in education and community leadership.^[3] Morton was an active member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the first intercollegiate historically African American fraternity, during his time on campus.^[3]^[2] This affiliation provided opportunities for brotherhood, service, and leadership development among like-minded students, contributing to his personal growth amid a demanding athletic schedule. In addition to his academic and fraternal pursuits, Morton cultivated a passion for exotic plants, maintaining an extensive collection that became a distinctive aspect of his campus life.^[3] This interest led to media recognition, earning him the nickname "Michigan's Plant Man" for his enthusiasm and knowledge in horticulture.^[3] His diverse extracurricular engagements complemented his football achievements under coach Bo Schembechler, showcasing a well-rounded university experience.^[3]

Professional football career

NFL draft and 1977 season

Morton was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the eighth round (197th overall) of the 1977 NFL Draft.^[1] Following a college career where he started as a defensive tackle for the Michigan Wolverines, he transitioned to defensive end in the professional ranks.^[5]^[1] During the 1977 season, Morton appeared in nine games for the Bills, wearing jersey number 79.^[1] He received limited playing time on the defensive line, with no recorded statistics in an era when individual defensive metrics were not comprehensively tracked.^[1] The Bills' defensive unit featured established players like first-round draft pick Phil Dokes at defensive end, contributing to Morton's role as a depth contributor amid a roster that struggled overall.^[9] The Buffalo Bills finished the 1977 season with a 3–11 record, placing fourth in the AFC East and ranking near the bottom of the league in defensive performance, allowing 336 points over 14 games.^[10] This context highlighted the challenges for young players like Morton breaking into a rebuilding team under head coach Jim Ringo.^[10]

Retirement from playing

Morton concluded his professional football career after the 1977 season with the Buffalo Bills, where he appeared in nine games as a defensive end without starting or recording any tackles.^[1] Drafted in the eighth round (197th overall) out of Michigan, his brief tenure reflected the challenges faced by late-round selections, including limited snaps amid a competitive roster and the Bills' 5-9 record that year.^[1] With no further NFL appearances documented, Morton effectively retired from playing at age 24, transitioning away from the league without pursuing additional professional opportunities in football.^[1]

Later career

Following his semifinalist appearance on season 14 of America's Got Talent in 2019, Greg Morton continued to advance his stand-up comedy career with high-energy performances featuring impressions and parodies. He released the Dry Bar Comedy special Gifts So Good They'll Kill You in December 2019.^[11] Morton has headlined at comedy clubs and festivals across North America, including Just for Laughs, and performed internationally. In April 2025, he released another Dry Bar special, My Mom Turned Me White.^[12] As of November 2025, Morton maintains an active touring schedule, with performances scheduled in locations such as Waterford, Michigan (September 2025), Reno, Nevada (November 2025), and Rosemont, Illinois (December 2025).^[13]

Personal life and death

Family and interests

Morton married Patricia Denise Russell in 1978, with whom he shared a family life marked by close-knit relationships.^[3] He was the father of two daughters, Courtney Lynn Morton-Perry and Kyla Morton Edwards, and grandfather to Kayden Edwards, Carter Perry, Campbell Perry, and Canaan Perry.^[3] His involvement in the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity during his college years at the University of Michigan continued to shape his social connections throughout his life.^[3] Beyond his professional pursuits, Morton nurtured personal interests that reflected his appreciation for nature and exploration. He developed a fondness for collecting exotic flora, notably caring for a purple passion plant he named Claudine, earning him the nickname "Michigan's Plant Man" from the Los Angeles Times.^[3] Morton also enjoyed traveling to vibrant destinations including Hawaii, London, and Scotland, experiences that enriched his perspective on the world.^[3]

Death and legacy

Gregory Alan Morton passed away on January 23, 2025, at the age of 71 in Akron, Ohio.^[14] A memorial service was held on February 7, 2025, at Rhoden Memorial Home in Akron, where family, friends, and community members gathered to honor his life.^[3]^[2] Morton's legacy endures through his significant contributions to University of Michigan football history, where he played as a defensive lineman during the 1970s, earning recognition as part of the program's all-decade team for that era.^[6] Family tributes highlighted his passionate engagement with the Ohio State-Michigan rivalry, often sharing lighthearted stories and cheering "Go Blue" to bring joy to those around him.^[3] His role as a dedicated mentor in volunteering, particularly through the Foster Grandparents Program at Community Action Agency of Summit and Medina Counties' Head Start, left a lasting impact on young children in the Akron community.^[2]^[3] As a trailblazer from Akron who rose to prominence in college and professional football, Morton is remembered for his broader contributions to sports and community service, inspiring local youth and exemplifying resilience and positivity.^[2] His induction into the Summit County Sports Hall of Fame in 2001 stands as a key part of his lasting recognition.