Former NFL Quarterback Craig Morton Dies at 83
Craig Morton, a legendary NFL quarterback known for leading both the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos to Super Bowl appearances, has died at age 83. Passing away in Mill Valley, California, Morton is remembered as the first quarterback to start a Super Bowl for two different franchises. His 18-year career included stints with the Cowboys, New York Giants, and Broncos, where he earned Comeback Player of the Year honors in 1977. Inducted into the Broncos' Ring of Fame and College Football Hall of Fame, his death marks the loss of a pivotal figure in NFL history.
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Former Broncos QB Craig Morton Remembered as Warrior After Death at 83
The Denver Broncos community is mourning the loss of former quarterback Craig Morton, who passed away at the age of 83 in California due to sepsis. Morton, who played 18 seasons in the NFL, is best remembered for leading the Broncos to their first Super Bowl appearance in 1977, a milestone that significantly elevated the franchise's national credibility and identity. Former teammates, including Dave Preston, Bob Swenson, and Tom Jackson, praised Morton’s toughness and leadership, noting that his performance helped transition Denver from a lesser-known team into a major competitor against rivals like the Raiders and Steelers. Despite lacking elite athleticism, Morton was revered for his steady arm and ability to withstand heavy pass rushes. His contributions are credited with laying the groundwork for the Broncos' future successes and establishing the team's brand within the community. The article highlights how Morton's legacy extends beyond statistics, representing a spiritual awakening for the franchise during a pivotal era in its history.
yahoo sportsNFL Legend Craig Morton Dies at 83
Craig Morton, a celebrated NFL quarterback and Denver Broncos legend, has died at the age of 83. He passed away on Saturday, May 9, in Mill Valley, California, surrounded by his family, according to an announcement by the Broncos. No cause of death was disclosed. Morton enjoyed an 18-season career in the National Football League, playing for the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, and Denver Broncos. He made history in 1978 as the first starting quarterback to appear in the Super Bowl with two different franchises, having previously lost with the Cowboys in 1971 and later losing with the Broncos in 1978. Despite these losses, he was recognized for his resilience, winning the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award in 1977. Morton retired in 1982 with career statistics ranking among the top 20 all-time for passing yards and touchdowns. He was inducted into the Broncos' Ring of Fame in 1988 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1992. Tributes were paid by all three of his former teams, honoring his leadership and competitive spirit. He is survived by his wife, sister, children, and grandchildren.
yahoo sportsDenver Broncos Legend Craig Morton Dies at Age 83
Craig Morton, the former Denver Broncos quarterback and Ring of Fame inductee who played a pivotal role in transforming the franchise into a Super Bowl contender during the late 1970s, passed away on May 9, 2026. The Broncos officially announced his death on Monday. Drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 1965, Morton joined Denver in 1977, leading the team to its first playoff appearance, AFC Championship, and Super Bowl XII berth. Despite losing Super Bowl XII to his former team, the Cowboys, Morton was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Year and received multiple Comeback Player of the Year honors. He finished his career in Denver holding several franchise passing records, including most passing yards and touchdowns at the time, though many were later surpassed by John Elway. Over his 18-year NFL career, which also included a stint with the New York Giants, Morton threw for 27,908 yards and 183 touchdowns. He holds the distinction of being the first quarterback in NFL history to start in two Super Bowls. Morton was inducted into the Broncos Ring of Fame in 1988, recognized as a crucial component of the team's rise alongside the famed Orange Crush defense.
yahoo sportsCraig Morton, Super Bowl Quarterback for Cowboys and Broncos, Dies at 83
Craig Morton, the former NFL quarterback who led both the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos to Super Bowl appearances in the 1970s, has died at the age of 83. Morton passed away on May 9, as confirmed by the Denver Broncos. Drafted fifth overall by the Cowboys in 1965, he became their starter in 1969, leading them to their first NFC title and a narrow loss in Super Bowl V against the Baltimore Colts. After losing his starting role to Roger Staubach, Morton was traded to the New York Giants before joining the Broncos in 1977. In his first season with Denver, he guided the team to its first playoff appearance and Super Bowl XII, where they lost to his former team, the Cowboys. Despite a difficult performance in that championship game, Morton was named the NFL Comeback Player of the Year. He played his final six seasons in Denver, retiring in 1982. Morton is survived by his wife, Kym, his sister, children, and grandchildren. His career is remembered for his resilience and unique distinction of starting in Super Bowls for two different franchises.
yahoo sportsLegendary Dallas Cowboys QB Craig Morton Dies at Age 83
Craig Morton, the former Dallas Cowboys quarterback who led the franchise to its first Super Bowl appearance, has passed away at the age of 83. Selected fifth overall in the 1965 NFL Draft, Morton spent nine seasons with the Cowboys under head coach Tom Landry, playing a pivotal role in establishing the team's identity as 'America's Team.' His tenure was marked by resilience and a famous quarterback competition with Roger Staubach. After being traded midway through his tenth season, Morton played for the New York Giants before joining the Denver Broncos. With the Broncos, he achieved further success by leading the team to Super Bowl XII against his former club, the Cowboys. Morton is remembered not only for his on-field performance but also for his professionalism and perseverance throughout his career. The Dallas Cowboys community and fans across the NFL are mourning the loss of this legendary figure, whose contributions remain an integral part of the franchise's storied history. Tributes have poured in from across the league, highlighting his lasting impact on the sport and his role in shaping two iconic NFL organizations during the late 1960s and 1970s.
yahoo sportsCraig Morton, First QB to Start Super Bowl for Two Franchises, Dies at 83
Craig Morton, a former NFL quarterback who spent 18 years in the league and made history as the first player to start the Super Bowl for two different franchises, has died at the age of 83. The Denver Broncos confirmed that Morton passed away on Saturday in Mill Valley, California. Morton started Super Bowl V for the Dallas Cowboys and Super Bowl XII for the Denver Broncos, joining an exclusive group of only four quarterbacks to achieve this feat, alongside Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, and Kurt Warner. Although he did not win a Super Bowl as a starter, Morton had a distinguished career, throwing for nearly 28,000 yards and 183 touchdowns. He played a pivotal role in revitalizing the Broncos in the late 1970s, leading them to their first Super Bowl appearance after being traded from the New York Giants. A College Football Hall of Famer from the University of California, Morton was inducted into the Broncos’ Ring of Fame in 1988. His career also included stints with the Cowboys, where he initially split time with Roger Staubach, and the Giants.
yahoo sportsCraig Morton, Super Bowl Winner and Former NFL QB, Dies at 83
Craig Morton, a former National Football League quarterback who played 18 seasons from 1965 to 1982, has died at the age of 83. Morton is best remembered for his tenures with the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos, though he also spent parts of three seasons with the New York Giants. He began his career with the Cowboys, where he backed up Don Meredith before becoming a starter and winning Super Bowl VI. After being traded to the Giants in 1974, he later revitalized his career with the Broncos, leading them to their first Super Bowl appearance in 1977 and earning Comeback Player of the Year honors. Morton finished his professional career with over 27,000 passing yards and 183 touchdowns. Following his retirement, he was inducted into the Broncos’ Ring of Honor in 1988 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1992. The New York Giants issued a statement expressing sadness over his passing, praising him as a great leader and teammate. His death marks the loss of a significant figure in NFL history, particularly noted for his resilience and leadership on the field during the 1970s.
New York PostCraig Morton, Broncos' Ring of Honor QB, Dies at 83
Former Denver Broncos quarterback Craig Morton has died at the age of 83, the team announced. Morton, a member of the franchise's Ring of Honor, passed away at his home on Saturday. He is best remembered for leading the Broncos to their first Super Bowl appearance in Super Bowl XII during the 1977 season, although they lost to the Dallas Cowboys. That year, he was named the PFWA Comeback Player of the Year after achieving a 12-2 record. Morton joined the Broncos in 1977 after spending nine seasons with the Dallas Cowboys, who drafted him fifth overall in 1965, and parts of three seasons with the New York Giants. Over his 18-year NFL career, he accumulated 27,908 passing yards and 183 touchdowns. With the Broncos, he ranks third in franchise history for passing yards and touchdowns, trailing only Hall of Famers Peyton Manning and John Elway. Inducted into the Broncos' Ring of Fame in 1988, Morton left a significant legacy in Denver sports history as a pivotal figure in the team's early success.
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