The Dallas Cowboys family and the football world lost a true pioneer this past Sunday with the passing of Craig Morton. As one of the original cornerstones of the franchise, Morton helped transform the Cowboys from a young expansion team into a perennial powerhouse. He carried himself with a quiet dignity and a toughness that defined the early era of Dallas football, leaving behind a legacy that remains woven into the fabric of the organization.
His journey began in 1965 when the Cowboys selected him as the fifth overall pick in the draft. Coming out of the University of California, he arrived in Dallas as a highly touted prospect with a powerful arm and the poise to match. It was clear from his early days that he had the physical tools to compete at the highest level of the NFL.
Morton's first major test came unexpectedly in 1969 following the sudden retirement of Don Meredith. Stepping into the starting role, he showed incredible grit by leading the team to a 10-2-1 record. What made that season truly remarkable was that he played through much of the year with a separated shoulder, proving to his teammates and the fans that he was willing to sacrifice his body for the sake of the win.
That toughness was on full display during the 1969 Thanksgiving Day game against San Francisco. Despite his shoulder injury, Morton delivered a gutsy performance that solidified his reputation for being a warrior on the field. He refused to let the physical limitations hold him back, leading the offense through a grueling contest that ended in a hard-fought 24-24 tie. In a strange twist of history, it took 56 years for another Cowboys game to end in a tie, which finally happened last season against the Green Bay Packers.
The following season, Morton reached a historic milestone by leading the Cowboys to their first-ever Super Bowl appearance during the 1970 season. While Super Bowl V ended in a heartbreaking 16-13 loss to the Baltimore Colts, his role in getting the team to the big stage was undeniable. Even though he struggled with three interceptions in that game, his journey to the Super Bowl cemented his place in Cowboys lore.