Craig Morton, Hall of Fame NFL Quarterback and Super Bowl Leader, Dies at 83

Craig Morton, the Hall of Fame NFL quarterback who led the Denver Broncos to their first Super Bowl appearance in 1977, died on May 9 at his home in Mill Valley, California. The Broncos announced his passing on Monday. He was 83.

Morton spent six seasons with the Broncos from 1977 to 1982, leading Denver to its first playoff appearance and a berth in Super Bowl XII. The Broncos finished the 1977 regular season with a 12-2 record, securing home playoff wins over the Steelers and Raiders before facing the Cowboys in the Super Bowl. Morton threw four interceptions in the 27-10 loss to his former team.

For his performance during the 1977 season, Morton was named the AFC's Offensive Player of the Year. He also received the Sporting News Player of the Year, PFWA Comeback Player of the Year, and NFL UPI MVP honors for that year.

In the AFC Championship Game against the Raiders, Morton played through a hip injury that required hospitalization days before the game.

During his tenure with the Broncos, Morton led the team to two division titles and three playoff berths. He set franchise records for most passing yards (11,895), passing touchdowns (74), pass attempts (1,594), and completions (907) at the time of his retirement. His 41 regular-season wins remain the third-most in franchise history.

Morton was inducted into the Broncos Ring of Fame in 1988, two years after being enshrined in the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame.

Early Career and Legacy

Morton began his NFL career as the fifth overall pick by the Dallas Cowboys in 1965. He played in Dallas until 1974, when the Cowboys traded him to the New York Giants after he lost the starting job to Roger Staubach. With the Cowboys, Morton threw for 10,279 yards and 80 touchdowns.

Over his 18-year career, Morton threw for 183 touchdowns and 27,908 yards while winning 81 regular-season games.