Craig Morton's shoelaces hold immortal place in Broncos history

Denver Broncos Ring of Fame quarterback Craig Morton died on Saturday, the team announced.

Morton, who died at age 83, had perhaps the greatest achievement of his career with the Broncos in the 1977 AFC Championship game.

Morton had been banged up the week leading up to the game against the Oakland Raiders, having just faced one of the best defenses of the 1970s in the Pittsburgh Steelers (or "The Steel Curtain)." Morton spent a week in the hospital, a fact the Broncos kept from the knowledge of the press (something which would be unheard of if it happened in today's NFL).

Morton struggled to get into uniform on Championship Sunday, and had gotten on every last piece of equipment — except his shoes. As then-Broncos head coach (and fellow Ring of Famer) Red Miller came over to check on his quarterback, Morton said that if Miller would tie his shoes, he would play in the game.

Miller tied those shoes, and Morton put on a performance, going 10-of-20 for 224 yards and two touchdowns in an eventual 20-17 win, propelling Denver to their first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history. You can read more in-depth about Morton's performance on the Denver Broncos' website.

Rest in peace, Craig.

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