Craig Morton, the legendary quarterback who led both the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos to Super Bowl appearances during the 1970s, passed away on May 9 at the age of 83. His legacy as a resilient signal-caller who bridged two iconic franchises will forever be remembered by football fans.
The Broncos paid tribute to Morton on social media, noting that he quarterbacked the team from 1977 to 1982 and guided Denver to its first-ever playoff appearance and Super Bowl berth in the 1977 season. "We are saddened to learn of the passing of quarterback Craig Morton," the team shared, honoring a player who helped put the Broncos on the map.
Born in Flint, Michigan, and raised in Northern California, Morton was a standout at the University of California before the Cowboys selected him fifth overall in the 1965 NFL Draft. After spending his first four seasons mostly on the bench, he seized the starting role in 1969, replacing Don Meredith and posting an impressive 10-2-1 record. The following year, Morton led Dallas to its first NFC championship, setting the stage for a memorable Super Bowl V showdown against the Baltimore Colts.
In that game, Morton's touchdown pass to Duane Thomas gave the Cowboys a 13-6 halftime lead, but the Colts rallied for 10 points in the fourth quarter to win 16-13. It was a heartbreaker, but Morton's poise under pressure was undeniable. However, after starting all 14 games in 1972 and falling to Washington in the NFC Championship, his time in Dallas came to an end as Roger Staubach took over. Morton forced a trade to the New York Giants by skipping a practice, but his tenure there was tough—going 8-25 over two seasons.
Morton's career took a remarkable turn when he joined the Broncos in 1977. He led Denver to a stunning 12-2 record and a Super Bowl XII matchup—ironically against his former Cowboys. This time, Dallas prevailed, holding Morton to just 4-of-15 passing for 39 yards and four interceptions. Despite the loss, Morton was named NFL Comeback Player of the Year, a testament to his grit and determination. He played six more seasons in Denver before retiring in 1982 after three games.
Morton's journey from a backup in Dallas to a Super Bowl starter for two franchises is a story of perseverance that resonates with football fans. For those who love the game's history, his legacy is a reminder of the golden era of NFL football. The Broncos confirmed Morton is survived by his wife, Kym, his sister, children, and grandchildren.