Even though celebrities can afford luxury cars with state-of-the-art features, some of them opt for a simple vehicle that they know they can rely on. While one would expect the Washington Redskins running back Alfred Morris to upgrade to a high-end automobile now that he's struck fame and fortune, he's one star that has decided to stick with his trusty vehicle.
Rewards for auto loyalty
According to The Daytona Beach News-Journal, Morris has been driving the same 1991 Mazda 626 since his days at Florida Atlantic University. When you have realized that a certain automaker or car model is dependable, it makes sense that you'd want to hold on to it. Still, you need to keep up with vehicle maintenance when you own one that old to ensure that it's in tip top driving condition.
Morris' cherished Mazda, which he named "Bentley," recently needed some work. As a favor for being such a loyal customer, a Washington, D.C.-based Mazda shop made a deal with him to completely overhaul the car in exchange for his good publicity. The football star dropped his car off July 22, and will get to see it looking like it just came from the factory Oct. 15. In the meantime, he has been cruising to and from practices and games in a 2014 Mazda 6.
Necessary updates
AutoBlog noted that it's still surprising that Morris has continued to drive his aging Mazda after a $2.2 million contract and an impressive rookie season. It seems that his penchant for the car has nothing to do with saving money - he actually just has an attachment to the vehicle. Mazda was moved by his love for the car, and therefore, will be attempting to maintain its integrity and style while providing auto repair to make it run more smoothly. For example, a factory dash will replace the cracked one, and the engine and transmission are being completely rebuilt.
"Mazda is going to make her like new, like she came off the floor in '91," Morris said, according to The Washington Post. "They're just refurbishing it so it can run for about 20 more years. … I'm going to get my baby back on the road."
Morris is not the only one that isn't willing to give up his beloved car, despite its age. According to The Post Game, L.A. Dodger catcher A.J. Ellis still drives around a 1999 Chevy Prizm, which has 130,000 miles on it.