Former Miami Dolphins quarterback Earl Morrall has died aged 79, the team has confirmed.

Morrall played a crucial role in the greatest season in Dolphins - and arguably NFL - history when he replaced the injured Bob Griese for nine games of the 1972 campaign.

He kept the team's winning streak alive before stepping aside to allow Griese back into the side once he had recovered from his broken ankle as the Dolphins posted the only perfect 17-0 season in NFL history.

Morall also spent time with the Baltimore Colts before joining the Dolphins, once again stepping in to great effect when he guided the team to Super Bowl III after Johnny Unitas had suffered an injury.

The second overall pick in the 1956 Draft, Morrall also played for the San Francisco 49ers, Pittsburgh Steelers, Detroit Lions and New York Giants in a well-travelled career.

He was the NFL's MVP in 1968, won the Super Bowl three times in the space of four years with the Colts and the Dolphins and was selected to two Pro Bowls 11 years apart.