Austin Morley
 | This article has been cleared by an Approver on the wiki team. bowl0 |
 Morley running after a catch in practice. | |||||||||||||||||
| No. 33 – Chicago Butchers | |||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Position: | Wide Receiver | ||||||||||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||||||||||
| Born: | May 5, 2025 (aged 36) Gahanna, Ohio, U.S. | ||||||||||||||||
| Height: | 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) | ||||||||||||||||
| Weight: | 183 lb (83 kg) | ||||||||||||||||
| Username: | Soevil | ||||||||||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||||||||||
| High school: | Gahanna Lincoln | ||||||||||||||||
| College: | The Ohio State University | ||||||||||||||||
| ISFL Draft: | S36 / Round: 2 / Pick: 5 | ||||||||||||||||
| DSFL Draft: | S35 / Round: 1 / Pick: 5 | ||||||||||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||||||||||
| Roster status: | Retired | ||||||||||||||||
| Career highlights and awards | |||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||
| Career ISFL statistics | |||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||
| Career DSFL statistics | |||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||
Austin "The Gingerbadger" Morley (born May 5th, 2025) is an American football wide receiver. He was selected 5th overall in the S35 Developmental Simulation Football League Draft to the Kansas City Coyotes, where he played two seasons. The "Gingerbadger" was selected 19th overall to the Chicago Butchers in the S36 ISFL draft.
Early years
Austin Morley was born in Gahanna, Ohio, to Kathy and Timothy Morley. Though he had a relatively uneventful upbringing, Morley loved to play football from a young age. He was always the smallest kid on the team, but what he lacked in size he made up for with heart. Barely seeing the JV field his first two years of high school, Morley decided to take off the cleats after his sophomore season. A “late bloomer”, he was always small, slow, and weak. No longer could he justify the time and effort spent at practice to ride the pine. Instead, his varsity seasons were spent on the lacrosse field. While he was technically no better at lacrosse than football, he began to find his athletic footing. Though he did not get any bigger at this time, his speed and agility improved greatly. This boosted his confidence and unlocked a level of tenacity not yet seen from him, earning Morley the nickname "The Gingerbadger".
College career
After enrolling at Ohio State, Austin once again found his love for the game of football. A delayed growth spurt put him more in line with his peers, and after his sophomore year, he tried out for the Club football team. Clocking a respective 4.5s 40-yard dash and 20-yard shuttle, he made the team. His junior season was full of ups and downs. Through the first 4 games, Morley recorded 17 catches for 146 yards and 2 touchdowns. Additionally, he returned 7 punts for an average of 17 yards per return and 1 touchdown. In the 5th game of the season, however, Morley suffered a broken hand and could not finish the season. He continued to travel with the team and supported them from the sideline for the final 4 games. In his senior season he was voted a team captain and amassed 57 receptions for 437 yards and 5 touchdowns, while returning 16 punts scoring another 2 touchdowns.
College career statistics
| Career statistics | Receiving | Punt Return | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | Games | Rec | Yards | Avg | Lg | TD | PR | PR Yds | PR Avg | PR TD | |
| 2047 | OSU Club | 4 | 17 | 146 | 8.6 | 39 | 2 | 7 | 112 | 16.0 | 1 | |
| 2048 | OSU Club | 8 | 57 | 437 | 7.7 | 45 | 5 | 16 | 232 | 14.5 | 2 | |
| Ht | Wt | 40‑yd dash | 20‑ss | 3‑cone | Vert jump | Broad |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m) |
183 lb (83 kg) |
4.5 s | 4.5 s | 7.14 s | 30 in (0.76 m) |
9 ft 3 in (2.82 m) |
Professional career
DSFL
2049 (S34)
Austin Morley was claimed off waivers in week 13 of S34 to make his ISFL debut for the Norfolk Seawolves. At the end of the S34 season, Morley was released back into the pool of prospects eligible to be drafted for the S35 season.
2050 (S35)
Morley was drafted 5th overall in the S35 DSFL draft to the Kansas City Coyotes. Due to his excellent locker room presence and leadership ability, Morley was voted by the team to be the offensive captain. On the season, Morley helped lead the Coyotes to an 8-6 record and 2nd place in the DSFL North. Despite sharing targets with other rookie sensations Octavio Pérez, Zaphod Beeblebrox, and Mandrews McHollywood, Morley lead his team in receptions and touchdowns while finishing among the league receiving leaders - placing 8th in receptions and yards and 6th in touchdowns. Concentration issues, however, did cause Morley to finish near the top of the list in drops on the season.
Morley played an integral part in the Coyotes playoff run. During the Conference Championship game against the Portland Pythons, Morley helped to give the team life. Down 27-7 at half time, Morley rallied the team in the locker room, and in the second half scored two game changing touchdowns. This effort helped lift the Coyotes to a 34-30 victory against the Pythons. The season ultimately ended in heartache as the Coyotes fell to the Seawolves 23-14. In the Ultimini, Morley was blanketed by the Norfolk secondary, being held to 2 receptions for 32 yards. The "Gingerbadger" was selected 19th overall to the Chicago Butchers in the S36 ISFL draft. He will play his S36 season for the Coyotes before he is called up to the ISFL.
2051 (S36)
Austin Morley stayed relatively consistent during his S36 DSFL season. Despite being 3rd in the league in receptions, he finished 10th in yards and touchdowns with 1035 and 8 respectively. Drops plagued him once again this season as he finished with 10, putting him squarely in the middle of the pack statistically. Morley lead the Coyotes in targets and receptions, but finished 3rd in yards and touchdowns behind Mchollywood (1312/11) and Perez (1236/11). The Kansas City Air Raid offense was not as fruitful as it was the previous season. Despite Queen Elizabeth II throwing for a league leading 4747 yards and breaking the single season records for passing touchdowns (39), the Coyotes missed the playoffs, finishing the season at 5-9. Morley must now decide whether or not to waive his contractual clause to be called up by the Chicago Butchers to stay down one more season to try and help the Coyotes get back to the Ultimini in S37.
ISFL
2052 (S37)
Morley was called up to the Chicago Butchers active roster for the S37 season and filled in as the primary slot option for the Butchers. As a rookie in the ISFL, Morley posted solid numbers as the number 4 option on the offense behind star running back Lalu Muhammad Zohri and veteran Wide Outs Rejoignez LordreSombre and Vincent Sharpei Jr. He ranked 22nd in receptions among Wide Receivers with 75 (4th among rookies) and generated 1025 yards, good for 19th in the league (3rd among rookies). Despite boasting an impressive 13.7 yard per catch average, Morley could only find paydirt 4 times on the season. With a second half of the season surge, winning 7 of the final 9 games, Chicago lucked in to the post season only to be defeated in the Wildcard round by the Yellowknife Wraiths. With the possible departure of LordeSombre this offseason, Morley looks to build upon his respectable rookie season and step into the WR2 role in the offense for S38.
2053 (S38)
At the start of S38, Austin Morley had the honor of being selected Offensive Captain by his teammates. Climbing up the depth chart to WR2, surpassing an aging Rejoignez Lordesombre, Morley looked to build upon his success from last season. Despite leading the Chicago Butchers in receiving yards, Morley was unable to really make a greater impact this season, finishing ranked at only WR19 in yards and receptions in the ISFL. Where Morley was able to make an impact, however, was special teams. Having not played on special teams since his college days, The Gingerbadger decided he needed to improve that aspect of his game to help ignite the struggling Butchers offense. During the season, Morley split kick returning duties with Lalu Muhammed Zohri and was the teams primary punt returner. In this role, Morley generated 466 kick return yards with an average of 22.2 yards per return, but where he really excelled was in returning punts. Morley led the league in punt return yards, claiming the #10 spot on the all-time punt return yards in a season list with 489 yards with and a league leading (min >10 returns) 12.2-yard average. As a team, the Chicago Butchers finished 5th in the NSFC with a 7-9 record, with 7 losses decided by 1 score. Morley looks to improve to provide an offensive spark next season as the Butchers try to get back into playoff contention.
2054 (S39)
Morley was named Offensive Captain for the second consecutive season in S39, and he took over complete WR1 and returning responsibilities for the Chicago Butchers. Although many expected the Butchers to be a middling team for the season, Morley set high expectations for himself as he hoped to be the focal point of the offense. After a 2-5 start to the season, it was clear that only one of those things were true - The Butchers were not in a good spot. The replacement of Kazimir Oles Jr with Tron Carter at QB did not prove to be as good as initially hoped, leading to the offense being more one-dimensional than it should have been. After the horrendous start, however, the Butchers went on a 6-game win streak to propel them back into the playoff hunt. A season defining victory in the week 16 against the league-best Yellowknife Wraiths punched the Butchers ticket to the post season. The Butchers would go on to defeat the Sarasota Sailfish 24-22 in the Wild Card round, however, their season would end in the Conference Championship game after a defeat by the eventual ISFL S39 Champion Yellowknife Wraiths. Individually, Morley did not perform as expected, amassing only 67 receptions for 972 yards (both career worsts) and 9 touchdowns. Morley did improve in aspects of the return game, with a league best kick return average of 31.2 yards while finishing second in kick return yards with 748. His punt return numbers took a step back, with only 217 yards on an average of 8.7 yards per return. At the end of the season, Morley signed a multi-year deal to stay with the Butchers through the end of his career.
2055 (S40)
S40 proved to be Austin Morley's best professional season to date. As far as personal achievements, Morley tied his career high for receptions with 84 and reached a new high in receiving yards with 1242 which was good for 10th in the ISFL on the season. He also hit paydirt 8 times through the air. However, this season was another where Morley really shined as a returner. He amassed 720 kick return yards on 20 attempts for an ISFL record 36 yards per return. His punt returning left a little to be desired again, though. His performance as both a receiver and special teamer led to two All Pro selections and the Special Teams Player of the Year Award for S41. Morley's highlight of the season came during the week 1 matchup at home against the Colorado Yeti. After the Yeti scored on their opening drive, Morley dashed for a 102 yard kick return touchdown on his first touch of the season, leading the Butchers to a victory. The Butchers as a whole had a Cinderella story of sorts, as no pundits expected them to have as much success this season as they had. The team finished 12-4 and earned a playoff victory against the Cape Town Crash, however fell short in the NSFC championship round to the Yellowknife Wraiths.
2056 (S41)
Coming off of a great season in S40, Morley hoped to continue building off of that success and prove to be one of the most elite wide receivers and returners in the ISFL. Although he still put up respectable receiving numbers, Morley took a step back in the return game. Morley caught 82 passes and broke the 1,000 yard mark for the 4th time in 5 ISFL seasons and had the lowest number of drops of his career. In the return game, Morley had solid averages with 29.2 yards per kickoff return and 11.5 yards per punt return, finishing 4th and 7th in the league respectively. The Chicago Butchers would have an up and down season as a unit, finishing 9-7 but failing to make the playoff after losing the final two games of the season. Look for Morley and the Chicago Butchers to bounce back in S42 with playoff aspirations.
2057 (S42)
Austin Morley would see Season 42 be one of his best individual performances yet as he set personal records for receptions and yards in a season with 105 (1st) and 1,281 (7th), respectively. He also tied his single season best for touchdowns with 9 (T-8th). The significant increase in Morley's workload came in part from having limited competition for targets on the team, but more from the rancid defense that the Butchers fielded during the season which led to frequently playing from behind. In the return game, Morley had another good but not great season. He averaged 28.3 yards per kick return (4th) and 9.6 yards per punt return (5th) while finishing 9th in the league in combined yardage. Morley was selected to the S42 Pro Bowl as a Wide Receiver (the second time of his career), but the Butchers as a team finished with with worst record in the NSFC.
2058 (S43)
The veteran wide receiver turned what was a terrible season for the Chicago Butchers into one of the best individual seasons of his carrier. Morley finished 2nd in the league in receptions (123) and yards (1,390), behind only Blaze Jr's. sensational season, which are both career marks for him. During the season Morley proved that he was still a dependable (career low 3 drops) and possibly even elite receiver despite his age becoming apparent. Although Morley had great receiving volume, his efficiency could be questioned, pulling a career low 11.3 yards per catch. Morley continued to regress on special teams, posting the 2nd worst kickoff return average of his career. Morley's season would earn him a 2nd consecutive Pro Bowl nod (the 3rd of his career), however, was snubbed of a All Pro honors. Morley again looks to return to the Chicago Butchers next season to lead the passing attack in what many hope will be a more fruitful season for the team.
2059 (S44)
Despite the Butchers finishing 3-13 in consecutive seasons, Austin Morley was able to prove that he was still capable of being one of the league's premier wide receivers. Morley finished the season with 111 receptions (3rd) and 1,408 yards (T-2nd), but his 6 touchdowns and 12.7 ypc were relatively pedestrian. Morley would also hit double digit drops (10) for the third time in his career, tied for 3rd most in the league this season (min. 70 receptions). This performance would lead to his third consecutive Pro Bowl nomination with dreams of being named to the All Pro team during the ISFL awards ceremony. Morley's special teams production continued to suffer in S44. Despite a league leading (min. 2 attempts) 12.4 yard punt return average, his kick return average plummeted to a near league worst 21.6 yards, the worst of his career. At this stage in Morley's career it is apparent he is record chasing for Chicago franchise career records. He needs 130 receptions to take ownership of the Butchers receptions record (currently 2nd), 1,520 receiving yards to take the receiving yards record (currently 4th), and 23 touchdowns (currently 5th). As of S44, Morley has become the Chicago Butchers record holder for All Purpose yards with 15,728 and Punt Return yards with 1,891 and is 151 yards away from the Kick Return yardage record. Look for Morley to gut out 1-2 more seasons before calling it a career.
2060 (S45)
Austin Morley once again led the way for the Chicago Butchers Wide Receiver room. A season with many ups and downs, Morley helped pull the Butchers to an 8-8 season and nearly a playoff berth. Due to the addition of future HoF runningback Jarvis Harbinger-Marjin, the Butchers passing attack took a back seat to a more ground and pound style of play. Regardless, Morley finished with 92 receptions for 1164 yards and a career best 11 touchdowns. His performance on the field earned him a 2nd Team All Pro and Pro Bowl nod for the season. In the offseason, Morley announced his intent to retire following S46.
2061 (S46)
S46 would be the final chapter in Austin Morley's football career. He finished his career off the only way he knew how: Leading the Chicago Butchers in Receptions (106), Receiving Yards (1,185), and Receiving TDs (11). From a high school football quitter, to collegiate club football, then the Developmental Simulation Football League, and finally on to the International Simulation Football League, Austin Morley achieved more than he ever thought would be possible for him. Despite not achieving his ultimate goal of winning an Ultimus, I think it is fair to say Morley left his mark on the city of Chicago, as he ends his career with Butchers franchise records in Receptions, Receiving Yards, All Purpose Yards, Punt Return and Kick Return Yards. For ISFL history, these numbers leave him ranked 12th (receptions), 15th (receiving yards), and 7th (punt return yards). For personal accolades, Morley received one Special Teams Player of the Year Awards, 4 All Pro awards, and 6 Pro Bowl awards through 10 seasons of play. In his retirement, Morley looks to start up a pizza chain in the Chicago area.
Professional career statistics
| Career statistics | Receiving | Punt Return | Kick Return | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Season | Team | Games | Rec | Yards | Avg | Lg | TD | Drops | PR | PR Yds | PR Avg | PR Long | PR TD | KR | KR Yds | KR Avg | KR Long | KR TD |
| 2049 (S34) | Seawolves | 1 | 6 | 93 | 15.5 | 37 | 0 | 0 | ||||||||||
| 2050 (S35) | Coyotes | 14 | 70 | 978 | 14 | 90 | 8 | 9 | ||||||||||
| 2051 (S36) | Coyotes | 14 | 85 | 1035 | 12.2 | 63 | 7 | 10 | ||||||||||
| 2052 (S37) | Butchers | 16 | 75 | 1025 | 13.7 | 75 | 4 | 6 | ||||||||||
| 2053 (S38) | Butchers | 16 | 84 | 1086 | 12.9 | 63 | 6 | 6 | 40 | 489 | 12.2 | 61 | 0 | 21 | 466 | 22.2 | 40 | 0 |
| 2054 (S39) | Butchers | 16 | 67 | 972 | 14.5 | 73 | 9 | 10 | 25 | 217 | 8.7 | 22 | 0 | 24 | 748 | 31.2 | 46 | 0 |
| 2055 (S40) | Butchers | 16 | 84 | 1242 | 14.8 | 86 | 8 | 6 | 24 | 192 | 8 | 52 | 0 | 20 | 720 | 36 | 102 | 1 |
| 2056 (S41) | Butchers | 16 | 82 | 1052 | 12.8 | 66 | 7 | 5 | 21 | 242 | 11.5 | 45 | 0 | 21 | 613 | 29.2 | 39 | 0 |
| 2057 (S42) | Butchers | 16 | 105 | 1281 | 12.2 | 74 | 9 | 12 | 23 | 221 | 9.6 | 23 | 0 | 23 | 651 | 28.3 | 43 | 0 |
| 2058 (S43) | Butchers | 16 | 123 | 1390 | 11.3 | 52 | 8 | 3 | 22 | 196 | 8.9 | 21 | 0 | 28 | 667 | 24.5 | 42 | 0 |
| 2059 (S44) | Butchers | 16 | 111 | 1408 | 12.7 | 81 | 6 | 10 | 27 | 334 | 12.4 | 72 | 0 | 23 | 496 | 21.6 | 37 | 0 |
| 2060 (S45) | Butchers | 16 | 92 | 1164 | 12.7 | 66 | 11 | 2 | 28 | 294 | 10.5 | 48 | 0 | 27 | 618 | 22.9 | 43 | 0 |
| 2061 (S46) | Butchers | 16 | 106 | 1185 | 11.2 | 47 | 11 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Achievements and records
Individual
- S35 DSFL Pro Bowl
- [1] S39 ISFL Pro Bowl (Returner)
- [2] S39 ISFL 1st Team All Pro (Returner)
- [3] S40 ISFL Pro Bowl (Returner) [Unanimous]
- [4] S40 ISFL 1st Team All Pro (Returner)
- [5] S40 ISFL 2nd Team All Pro (Wide Receiver)
- [6] S40 ISFL Special Teams Player of the Year
- [7] S42 ISFL Pro Bowl (Wide Receiver)
- [8] S43 ISFL Pro Bowl (Wide Receiver)
- [9] S44 ISFL Pro Bowl (Wide Receiver)
- S45 ISFL 2nd Team All Pro (Wide Receiver)
- [10] S45 ISFL Pro Bowl (Wide Receiver)
""
