Craig Morton: Denver Broncos Legend, NFL Pioneer and Super Bowl Quarterback

The football world is mourning the loss of Craig Morton, one of the most respected quarterbacks in NFL history and a cornerstone of the early success of the Denver Broncos. Morton, who passed away at the age of 83, left behind a legacy defined by leadership, resilience, and historic accomplishments.

For many NFL fans, Craig Morton represented toughness and perseverance. He played during one of the most competitive eras in professional football and became the first quarterback ever to lead two different franchises to their first Super Bowl appearances. His career spanned 18 seasons and included memorable runs with the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, and Denver Broncos.

Following news of his death, tributes from former teammates, fans, and NFL organizations flooded social media, remembering Morton as a pioneer who helped shape the modern quarterback position.

Craig Morton Cause of Death

According to reports released by NFL and sports media outlets, Craig Morton died on May 9, 2026, at his home in Mill Valley, California. He was 83 years old.

At the time of publication, Morton’s family and the Denver Broncos organization had not publicly disclosed an official cause of death. Multiple reports confirmed his passing but stated that no further medical details were immediately available.

The news sent shockwaves through the NFL community, especially among Broncos fans who still remember Morton as the quarterback who led Denver to its first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history.

The Broncos released an emotional statement honoring Morton’s impact on the franchise, calling him a “Ring of Fame quarterback” and praising his leadership during the team’s rise in the late 1970s.

Early Life and College Football Career

Craig Morton was born on February 5, 1943, in Flint, Michigan. He later attended Campbell High School in California, where he excelled in football, baseball, and basketball. His athletic talent quickly attracted attention from college scouts and even professional baseball teams.

Morton eventually chose football and enrolled at the University of California, Berkeley, where he became one of the top quarterbacks in the nation.

At California, Morton set several passing records and earned All-American honors. He threw for more than 4,500 yards during his college career, an impressive achievement during an era when passing offenses were far less common than they are today.

His outstanding college career made him one of the most sought-after quarterbacks entering the 1965 NFL Draft.

Craig Morton NFL Draft and Cowboys Career

The Dallas Cowboys selected Craig Morton with the fifth overall pick in the 1965 NFL Draft. He entered a Cowboys organization that was rapidly emerging as one of the NFL’s elite teams under legendary coach Tom Landry.

Morton initially served as a backup to quarterback Don Meredith but eventually became the team’s starter. By 1970, he led Dallas to its first-ever Super Bowl appearance in Super Bowl V.

Although the Cowboys lost that game to the Baltimore Colts, Morton became an important figure in franchise history. He later earned a Super Bowl ring as part of Dallas’ championship-winning team in Super Bowl VI.

However, Morton’s time in Dallas was heavily defined by his quarterback rivalry with Hall of Famer Roger Staubach. The quarterback controversy became one of the most famous in NFL history.

Coach Tom Landry even alternated quarterbacks between plays during certain games, something almost unimaginable in modern football. Fans and media constantly debated whether Morton or Staubach should lead the Cowboys offense.

Ultimately, Staubach secured the starting role permanently, and Morton was traded away.

Craig Morton and the New York Giants

In 1974, Morton joined the New York Giants during a difficult period for the franchise.

Although his time with the Giants was not especially successful in terms of wins and losses, Morton still showcased his toughness and professionalism. He threw for more than 5,700 yards during his tenure in New York while attempting to stabilize a struggling organization.

Despite the team’s struggles, Morton remained respected across the league for his leadership and football intelligence.

Craig Morton’s Denver Broncos Career

Craig Morton’s greatest NFL chapter may have come with the Denver Broncos.

When Denver acquired Morton in 1977, many believed his best years were already behind him. Instead, he revitalized his career and transformed the Broncos into a championship contender.

At 34 years old, Morton delivered one of the best seasons of his career, leading Denver to a 12-2 record and the franchise’s first-ever playoff appearance.

That magical 1977 season culminated in the Broncos reaching Super Bowl XII against none other than the Dallas Cowboys and Roger Staubach.

Although Denver lost the Super Bowl, Morton’s impact on the franchise was enormous. He helped establish the Broncos as a legitimate NFL power and became one of the most beloved figures in team history.

Morton won several major honors during the 1977 season, including:

• NFL Comeback Player of the Year
• AFC Offensive Player of the Year
• UPI NFL MVP honors
• Sporting News Player of the Year

His success with Denver eventually earned him induction into the Broncos Ring of Fame in 1988.

Craig Morton Stats

Craig Morton finished his NFL career with impressive numbers, especially considering the era in which he played.

Career NFL Stats

During his six seasons with Denver, Morton threw for nearly 12,000 yards and 74 touchdowns while leading the Broncos to multiple playoff appearances.

While modern passing statistics often overshadow quarterbacks from earlier eras, Morton’s accomplishments remain historically significant because NFL offenses during the 1960s and 1970s relied far more heavily on running attacks and defensive football.

Historic Super Bowl Legacy

Craig Morton occupies a unique place in NFL history.

He became the first quarterback ever to start Super Bowls for two different franchises. He led both the Cowboys and Broncos to their first Super Bowl appearances — an achievement later matched only by legendary quarterbacks such as Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, and Kurt Warner.

His football journey symbolized resilience. After losing his starting role in Dallas and enduring difficult years with the Giants, Morton reinvented himself in Denver and nearly captured a championship against his former team.

That storyline remains one of the most compelling redemption arcs in NFL history.

Broncos Fans Remember Craig Morton

Following news of Morton’s death, fans across social media shared emotional memories of watching him lead the Broncos during the late 1970s.

Many longtime Denver supporters described Morton as the quarterback who made them fall in love with football. Others remembered his leadership, toughness, and professionalism during the Broncos’ early years as a contender.

One fan wrote that the 1977 Broncos season felt “magical” and credited Morton for changing football culture in Denver forever.

His No. 7 jersey remains iconic among Broncos fans.

Craig Morton Obituary and Legacy

Craig Morton’s football legacy extends far beyond statistics.

He represented determination, class, and perseverance throughout an NFL career filled with adversity and reinvention. Whether battling Roger Staubach for the Cowboys starting job or revitalizing the Broncos late in his career, Morton consistently demonstrated leadership and toughness.

The NFL today is filled with passing records and superstar quarterbacks, but players like Craig Morton helped build the foundation for the modern game.

He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1992 and remains one of the most important quarterbacks in Denver Broncos history.

Morton is survived by family members, friends, former teammates, and generations of fans who admired his contributions to football.

His passing marks the end of an important chapter in NFL history, but his legacy will continue through the memories he created on the field.

Craig Morton Career Highlights

• First quarterback to start Super Bowls for two franchises
• Led Cowboys to Super Bowl V
• Led Broncos to Super Bowl XII
• Super Bowl VI champion
• NFL Comeback Player of the Year (1977)
• AFC Offensive Player of the Year (1977)
• Denver Broncos Ring of Fame member
• College Football Hall of Fame inductee

FAQs About Craig Morton

Who was Craig Morton?

Craig Morton was a former NFL quarterback who played for the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, and Denver Broncos during an 18-year professional football career.

What was Craig Morton’s cause of death?

As of now, Craig Morton’s official cause of death has not been publicly disclosed by his family or the Denver Broncos organization.

How old was Craig Morton when he died?

Craig Morton was 83 years old at the time of his death in May 2026.

What teams did Craig Morton play for?

Morton played for the:

• Dallas Cowboys
• New York Giants
• Denver Broncos

Did Craig Morton win a Super Bowl?

Yes. Morton earned a Super Bowl ring with the Cowboys in Super Bowl VI, although Roger Staubach was the starting quarterback during that championship run.

What were Craig Morton’s career stats?

Morton finished with:

• 27,908 passing yards
• 183 touchdown passes
• 207 NFL games played
• 81 career wins

Why is Craig Morton important to the Denver Broncos?

Craig Morton led the Broncos to their first playoff appearance and first Super Bowl during the 1977 season, helping transform the franchise into a respected NFL contender.