Craig Morton Passes Away at 83

Former Denver Broncos quarterback Craig Morton, who was honored in the team’s Ring of Fame, passed away on Saturday at the age of 83.

Morton played a crucial role in leading the Broncos to their first playoff appearance and guiding them to Super Bowl XII during the 1977 season.

The Broncos finished that season with a remarkable 12-2 record, achieving playoff victories over the Pittsburgh Steelers and the then-Oakland Raiders. Morton earned the title of AFC Offensive Player of the Year.

Fellow Ring of Famer Heaven Moses expressed his admiration for Morton after the Broncos won the AFC Championship in 1978, stating, “Craig Morton is unbelievable. To me, he’s the most valuable player in the National Football League.” Morton also received the Sporting News Player of the Year and the PFWA Comeback Player of the Year awards in 1977.

The Broncos shared their sorrow on social media: “We are saddened to learn of the passing of #BroncosROF Quarterback Craig Morton, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 83.”

Throughout his six seasons with the Broncos, Morton led the team to two division titles and three playoff appearances. By the time he finished his career in Denver, he had amassed 11,895 passing yards, a franchise record at that point.

Morton was drafted fifth overall by the Dallas Cowboys in 1965 after playing at the University of California. Over the first ten years of his career with the Cowboys, he threw for 10,279 yards, accumulating 80 touchdowns and 73 interceptions, with a record of 32-14-1.

In 1974, he was traded to the New York Giants, where he had a challenging stint and started just seven games that season, finishing with a 1-6 record over three seasons in New York.

By the end of his career, Morton totaled 27,908 passing yards and completed 183 touchdowns, holding an overall record of 81-62-1 in 207 games.