Craig Morton, a seasoned NFL quarterback renowned for guiding the Denver Broncos to their inaugural Super Bowl showing, passed away on Saturday.
His age at the time of death was 83 years.
Toward the conclusion of his professional playing days, Morton was a member of the Broncos, instrumental in securing their initial playoff berth and a spot in the Super Bowl during the 1977 campaign. That season, the squad achieved a 12-2 regular season record prior to their defeat by the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl XII.
Morton’s professional tenure in the league spanned 18 years altogether, commencing with the Cowboys after the team chose him as the fifth overall selection in the 1965 NFL Draft. He remained with the Cowboys for ten years before being traded to the New York Giants midway through the 1974 season. He played for the Giants for over two years until joining the Broncos for the 1977 season.
His retirement occurred following the 1982 season. His career statistics included exceeding 27,900 passing yards, along with 183 touchdown passes and 187 interceptions. He earned a Super Bowl championship ring while with the Cowboys in the 1971 season, where he served as Roger Staubach’s reserve quarterback.
Morton received the Comeback Player of the Year award during the Broncos’ Super Bowl appearance, having accumulated 1,929 passing yards and 14 touchdowns. He was enshrined in the Broncos’ Ring of Fame in 1988 and currently holds the third position for the team’s all-time passing yardage, trailing only John Elway and Peyton Manning.
“Our sorrow is profound upon learning of Craig’s demise,” stated the Giants in an official announcement. “He embodied exceptional leadership and camaraderie as a teammate. Our deepest sympathies extend to his relatives and acquaintances.”
Furthermore, Morton gained induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1992. He participated in collegiate football at Cal, and additionally, he was a member of the Golden Bears’ baseball squad.
