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The football world is mourning the loss of Craig Morton, the former NFL quarterback who helped shape the early identity of the Denver Broncos and led the franchise to its first-ever Super Bowl appearance. Craig Morton, a key figure in NFL history and one of the most notable quarterbacks of his era, died on May 9 at his home in Mill Valley, California. He was 83.
The passing of Craig Morton former NFL quarterback Craig Morton marks the end of a career that spanned nearly two decades and multiple franchises, including the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, and most famously, the Denver Broncos.
Craig Morton NFL Career and Rise to Prominence
Craig Morton entered the NFL as the fifth overall pick in the 1965 NFL Draft, beginning his career with the Dallas Cowboys. Early in his career, Morton was part of a quarterback controversy that would define much of his time in Dallas, especially as he eventually lost the starting role to Hall of Famer Roger Staubach.
During his time with the Cowboys, Craig Morton developed into a reliable and experienced quarterback, throwing for over 10,000 yards and 80 touchdowns. However, his career truly transformed after his trade to the Denver Broncos in 1977.
This move became one of the most important turning points in Craig Morton NFL career, setting the stage for a historic run that would define his legacy.
Craig Morton and the Denver Broncos: A Franchise-Defining Era
The arrival of Craig Morton in Denver changed the trajectory of the franchise almost immediately. The Craig Morton Broncos era is widely remembered as the foundation of the team’s modern identity.
In the 1977 season, Morton led the Broncos to a 12-2 record, marking the franchise’s first major breakthrough. That year, he guided Denver to its first playoff appearance in team history.
The Broncos went on to achieve landmark postseason victories over the Pittsburgh Steelers and Oakland Raiders, two dominant teams of the era. Morton’s leadership, resilience, and experience were central to those wins, especially in high-pressure playoff environments.
Despite battling a hip injury during the AFC Championship Game against the Raiders, Craig Morton played through pain that had previously required hospitalization. His performance helped secure a win and a historic Super Bowl berth for Denver.
That season earned him multiple honors, including:
- AFC Offensive Player of the Year
- Sporting News Player of the Year
- PFWA Comeback Player of the Year
- UPI NFL MVP (1977 season)
The Craig Morton Broncos success story remains one of the most significant single-season turnarounds in NFL history.
Super Bowl XII: Craig Morton’s Defining Moment and Toughest Loss
The peak of Craig Morton’s career came in Super Bowl XII, where the Denver Broncos faced the Dallas Cowboys, his former team.
The matchup created one of the most emotionally charged games of the era, as Morton faced the franchise where he began his NFL journey.
Unfortunately for Denver, the game did not end in victory. Morton struggled in the Super Bowl, throwing four interceptions in a 27-10 loss to the Cowboys.
Despite the difficult outcome, Craig Morton Super Bowl XII appearance remains a historic milestone for the Broncos franchise, marking their first-ever Super Bowl participation and establishing them as a rising force in the NFL.
Craig Morton Career Records with the Denver Broncos
During his six seasons with the Broncos (1977–1982), Craig Morton set several franchise records at the time of his career:
- 11,895 passing yards
- 74 passing touchdowns
- 1,594 pass attempts
- 907 completions
- 41 regular-season wins (third-most in franchise history)
These numbers reflect the consistency and durability that defined Craig Morton NFL quarterback Craig Morton during his Denver years.
He also helped the Broncos secure two division titles and three playoff appearances, solidifying his place as one of the most important players in franchise history.
In 1988, Craig Morton was inducted into the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame, recognizing his long-term impact on the organization. He was also inducted into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame two years earlier.
Craig Morton NFL Legacy Beyond Denver Broncos
While the Craig Morton Broncos era is his most celebrated chapter, his NFL career was much broader.
After being drafted by the Dallas Cowboys, Morton played a key role in their offense throughout the late 1960s and early 1970s. His time in Dallas included over 10,000 passing yards and 80 touchdowns, contributing to the team’s development during a competitive era in the NFC.
Following his time with Dallas, Morton also spent time with the New York Giants before joining Denver, where he ultimately found his greatest success.
Across his entire career, Craig Morton finished with:
- 27,908 passing yards
- 183 passing touchdowns
- 81 regular-season wins
These statistics highlight the longevity and productivity of Craig Morton NFL quarterback Craig Morton, who remained a consistent contributor across three different teams.
Craig Morton Remembered: Leadership, Resilience, and NFL Impact
The legacy of Craig Morton extends beyond statistics. He is remembered as a quarterback who adapted, endured setbacks, and eventually reached the highest stage of professional football.
His journey from a young quarterback in Dallas to a Super Bowl starter with Denver reflects a career defined by persistence and leadership under pressure.
Former teammates and fans often highlight his calm presence in the pocket, his ability to manage difficult games, and his leadership during Denver’s historic 1977 season.
The passing of Craig Morton has prompted tributes across the NFL community, particularly from the Denver Broncos organization, which credited him with helping shape the early identity of the franchise.
The death of Craig Morton marks the end of a significant chapter in NFL history. As a Craig Morton NFL quarterback Craig Morton, his career spanned multiple eras, teams, and milestones, but his legacy is most strongly tied to the Denver Broncos’ first rise to national prominence.
From his early years with the Dallas Cowboys to his Super Bowl XII appearance and record-setting tenure with the Broncos, Craig Morton’s impact on the game remains firmly embedded in NFL history.
The story of Craig Morton Broncos quarterback Craig Morton will continue to be remembered as one of resilience, leadership, and a defining piece of Denver’s football legacy.