Riley Morris

In September 1957, The Pittsburgh Courier reported that Morris is "looked upon by some as one of the best men at his position in the country." He returned as Florida A&M starting tackle for his senior year. The Alabama Tribune listed him as a potential All-American candidate. The 1957 Florida A&M football team compiled an undefeated 9–0 record and were named black college national champions.

Professional career Despite having been out of the sport for the prior two seasons, Morris was signed by the Los Angeles Chargers of the American Football League (AFL) in 1960. When asked "the best pro prospect among the unheralded gridders [players] who reported to camp," Coach Sid Gillman named Morris. The Tallahassee Democrat reported that he was "touted as the fastest man in camp" and made the first seven tackles in a practice game. He was waived on September 7, being one of the final roster cuts.

The Los Angeles Times reported that Morris "will be back to haunt the Chargers," as he was immediately claimed by the rival Oakland Raiders after being waived by Los Angeles. On September 19, he was promoted to the Raiders active roster. The Oakland Tribune reported that he "has been a big surprise to the Raiders ... [he] has improved in every game as a corner linebacker." Coach Eddie Erdelatz said Morris "just loves to knock people down on that field." The 1960 Oakland Raiders compiled a record of 6–8, third place in the AFL Western Division.

Morris returned as Raiders starting linebacker in 1961. In a week fourteen game against the Boston Patriots, he picked off a Babe Parilli pass and returned it 35 yards for his first career touchdown. Morris finished the season with fourteen games played, all as a starter, and three interceptions returned for 79 yards and one touchdown.

In May 1962, Morris' position was changed from linebacker to defensive end. He missed most of the season due to an injury, but was re-activated for the final four games of the season. Shortly after returning from injury, Morris "provided the Raiders with their best pass rush in weeks" against the San Diego Chargers. He was waived by the Raiders in July 1963.

In July 1964, Morris was signed by the Boston Patriots. He was waived in August as part of roster cuts. He later joined the Boston Sweepers in the Atlantic Coast Football League (ACFL). He scored two touchdowns that year. Morris returned to the Sweepers (renamed the New Bedford Sweepers) in 1965 and helped them win their second consecutive league title. He returned for a third season with the Sweepers in 1966.

After the Sweepers folded, Morris joined the Waterbury Orbits in 1967.

Later life and death Morris later was employed at Polaroid in Norwood, Massachusetts. He also was a golfer.

Morris died on April 5, 1997.