The football world is remembering a true pioneer this week, as Craig Morton—the only quarterback to start a Super Bowl for two different franchises—has passed away at the age of 83.

Morton died on Saturday, May 9, in Mill Valley, California, surrounded by family. The Denver Broncos confirmed the news on Monday, honoring the man who first led their franchise to the big game.

A first-round pick (fifth overall) by the Dallas Cowboys in the 1965 NFL Draft, Morton enjoyed an 18-year professional career that spanned three teams. After starring at the University of California, Berkeley, he was also selected in the 10th round of the 1965 AFL Draft by the Oakland Raiders, though he never suited up for them.

Morton spent the majority of his career in Dallas, where he famously shared—and sometimes platooned—quarterback duties with future Hall of Famer Roger Staubach. In Super Bowl V following the 1971 season, Morton started for the Cowboys, throwing three interceptions in a heartbreaking 16-13 loss to the Baltimore Colts. Despite that tough outing, his place in NFL history was already being written.

By 1974, Morton requested a trade, and the Cowboys sent him to the New York Giants. In return, Dallas received New York's first-round pick in 1975—a selection they used to draft defensive tackle Randy White, who would go on to earn his own Hall of Fame jacket.

After an underwhelming stint with the Giants, Morton found new life in Denver. He was traded to the Broncos, and in 1977, at age 34, he orchestrated one of the greatest turnarounds in franchise history. Leading a team that had never reached the postseason with a winning record, Morton guided the Broncos to a 12-2 regular season and their first-ever Super Bowl appearance (Super Bowl XII). Though they fell to the Cowboys, Morton's legacy in Denver was cemented.

In 1988, the Broncos honored him by inducting him into their Ring of Fame—a fitting tribute to the quarterback who helped put the franchise on the map.