Former NFL quarterback, Craig Morton, passed away at the age of 83. He created history by becoming the first quarterback to start in two Super Bowl games- one for the Dallas Cowboys and the other for the Denver Broncos.

His family confirmed that he passed away on May 9, but did not reveal the cause of his demise. The Broncos announced Morton’s passing in an X post on May 12. 

“We are saddened to learn of the passing of #BroncosROF quarterback Craig Morton, who died on Saturday at the age of 83.”

A California Golden Bears talent, Morton had a 18-year long career in the NFL. The Dallas Cowboys had selected Morton as the fifth overall pick in the 1965 NFL Draft.

He made an appearance in Super Bowl V with the franchise and narrowly lost to the Indianapolis (formerly Baltimore) Colts in a 16-13 game. 

Morton shared the spotlight with another QB, Roger Staubach, who started the Super Bowl game the following year. The Cowboys had a resounding 24-3 victory against the Miami Dolphins that year. 

Morton had spent nine seasons with the Cowboys. Later on, he played with the New York Giants between 1974 and 1976, before starting his career-defining stint with the Broncos. He quarterbacked for the team between 1977 and 1982. 

With head coach Red Miller and the 'Orange Crush' defense, Morton led the Broncos to their first playoff appearance and a berth in Super Bowl XII. 

In 1977, the Broncos notched playoff victories against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Oakland Raiders. They ended the season with a 12-2 record.

That year, his career-high, Morton threw 14 touchdowns for 1929 yards. He received NFL's Comeback Player of the Year and AFC's Offensive Player of the Year honors as well. 

Morton retired after the 1982 season, having thrown 183 touchdowns, 187 interceptions for 27,908 yards. After the NFL, he returned to where his football journey began.

Morton's Life After Retirement From NFL

After his retirement, Craig Morton coached the quarterbacks of the Denver Broncos briefly in 1988. Eventually, he started coaching the Denver Gold of the USFL. 

According to Golden Bears' official website, Morton was also heavily involved with his alma mater. He worked in their athletic department's development office until his retirement in 2017.

He was also inducted to the College Football Hall of Fame and Cal Athletics Hall of Fame.

In 2019, the program honored Morton with Cal’s Glenn Seaborg Award, presented to a former Cal football player for his career accomplishments.

According to USA Today, Morton passed away in Mill Valley, California, and was surrounded by his loved ones. Our prayers remain with his family. 

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Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Rishab Nandi