Why a NFL Star Is Hanging on to a 1991 Mazda

One might expect to see a professional athlete making millions rolling around in a brand new, likely expensive car. But not the Redskins' Alfred Morris.

While Morris -- affectionately known by fans as Alfie -- might call his car "The Bentley" the 1991 Mazda 626 is far from it.

Alfred Morris drives around a 1991 Mazda, but it recently had a major overhaul to keep in on the road. (Image source: Brown's Chantilly Mazda/Facebook)

If you've watched an NFL showdown with the Redskins, you might have heard the story behind the running back's classic car. Morris bought it from his pastor for $2 -- that's not a typo -- while attending Florida Atlantic University.

Why is it still around?

"It's more than just a car," Morris, who started as a rookie with the Washington, D.C., team last year, told Jalopnik. "I didn't grow up with a lot. This helps me remember where I come from and where I'm going."

Washington Redskins running back Alfred Morris (46) evades pressure from Dallas Cowboys' Sean Lee (50) as Morris sprints on a long run from scrimmage for a touchdown in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013, in Arlington, Texas. (AP/LM Otero) 

Morris was recently reunited with his trusty set of wheels after it was in the shop for the last few months undergoing a restoration so it could stay on the road for (hopefully) decades longer.

"I'm speechless. It's been a while, and I can't wait to drive it," Morris said at Brown's Chantilly Mazda Tuesday.

Alfred Morris was without his own car for months while it was being restored. He was thrilled this week to get back into the "Bentley's" driver seat. (Image source: Brown's Chantilly Mazda/Facebook)

"It's old school, like I am," Morris said at the reveal, according to Jalopnik. "I know I haven't been around long, but I have an old spirit."

The restoration brought the car down to bare bones, which Morris said hurt "just a little bit," according to the Washington Post:

A total of 275 man hours of labor and more than 450 new parts were involved in the refurbishment. In addition to the basics — an overhauled engine, new brakes, exhaust system – the car had some added features not typical of a 1991 Mazda 626. Leather interior, new sound system, and back-up camera were among the options Morris now has at his disposal.

Despite the overhaul, Morris insists his car is still the same Bentley.

“She hasn’t changed,” he insisted. “I mean, she looks different, but it’s still the same car. It a feel thing. Sometimes when something changes, you’re like, ‘Oh man, I want it the old way.’ But when I sat in her, I still got that feeling. She’s still The Bentley.”

Even a characteristic dent in the exterior was bumped out, remaining only a memory for Morris, according to the Post.

Watch WUSA-TV's interview with Morris at the reveal:

Read Jalopnik's full post for more details -- and pictures -- of the overhaul.

--

[related]