Former Los Angeles KISS wide receiver Donovan Morgan decided to hang up his cleats after this season, a year in which he played like he was in his prime. Morgan was a key cog in a KISS team that had their best season in franchise history. Despite playing in his last season, Morgan was still one of the best wide receivers in the AFL.
He finished the season ranked third in the league in touchdowns (41), and he placed fifth in receiving yards (1,462). After LA’s crushing loss to the Cleveland Gladiators in the playoffs, LA’s season was over, and Morgan’s career had come to a close. Morgan says he’ll miss the bond and the togetherness with the guys. He has no plans of slowing down, as he has already developed a plan for his career after football. He also plans to open a cycling gym and start a clothing brand, which are both named IDNYM LLC.
Before making a name for himself in Arena Football, Morgan started his football career in the NFL. From 2004-2006, he played for the New York Jets, Kansas City Chiefs, and Houston Texans. Morgan says he learned a lot from two players in particular during his time in the NFL. He learned from legendary Texans wide receiver Andre Johnson, and Jabar Gaffney, who he says it was his attitude that kept him from continuing in the NFL.
In the middle of his time in the NFL, Morgan also played for the Tulsa Talons of af2. He set af2 records with 346 points, 57 total touchdowns, and 54 receiving touchdowns, while earning af2 Rookie of the Year honors. After spending training camp with the Buffalo Bills, Morgan would never play in the NFL again. He would spend the rest of his career in the AFL, except in 2009, when he played in the CIFL since the AFL cancelled the 2009 season.
Morgan was named AFL Rookie of the Year in 2008 as a member of the Chicago Rush. Morgan would finish his career as a two-time member of the First Team All-Arena, and a three-time member of the Second Team All-Arena. He says that money-wise, he preferred the NFL. However, he enjoyed playing in the AFL because “you knew you were going to catch the ball”, as he put it.
Morgan finished his career by making a lasting impact on both the KISS and the AFL. He was honored with the Commissioner’s Award, an award that honors one player that helped grow the game.
Morgan was the star that helped grow professional football in Los Angeles. He is ranked fifth all-time in touchdowns (290), and ninth in receptions (907). He scored a touchdown in all but two games for the KISS. “Captain” Morgan’s advice to those that bounce around different leagues is: “believe, keep fighting, and never give up.
Inside the Arena 