NFL legend Craig Morton, known for his time with the Denver Broncos and Dallas Cowboys, passed away at 83 in Mill Valley, California. He made history as the first starting quarterback to play in the Super Bowl for two different teams.
Key points
Craig Morton died at age 83
He played for the Denver Broncos, New York Giants, and Dallas Cowboys
Morton was the first quarterback to start in the Super Bowl for two teams
He died in Mill Valley, California
Morton was surrounded by loved ones at the time of his death
Mentioned in this story
Craig Morton
Denver BroncosNew York GiantsDallas Cowboys
Craig Morton circa November 1979Credit: UPI/Bettmann Archive/Getty
Craig Morton circa November 1979
Credit: UPI/Bettmann Archive/Getty
He died in Mill Valley, Calif., surrounded by his loved ones
In 1978, Morton became the first starting quarterback to feature in the Super Bowl for two different teams
NFL legend Craig Morton, best known for his time with the Denver Broncos and Dallas Cowboys, died on Saturday, May 9. He was 83.
He was surrounded by his loved ones in Mill Valley, Calif., the Broncos announced in a statement. No cause of death has been shared.
Craig Morton unveiling his sculpture at the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame in 2013Credit: Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post via Getty
Craig Morton unveiling his sculpture at the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame in 2013
Credit: Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post via Getty
Q&A
What teams did Craig Morton play for in the NFL?
Craig Morton played for the Denver Broncos, New York Giants, and Dallas Cowboys during his NFL career.
What was significant about Craig Morton's Super Bowl appearances?
Craig Morton was the first starting quarterback to play in the Super Bowl for two different teams.
When did Craig Morton pass away?
Craig Morton passed away on May 9 at the age of 83.
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Morton was born in Flint, Mich., on Feb. 5, 1943. After playing for the University of California, Berkeley's Golden Bears, he was selected by the Cowboys in the 1965 NFL Draft. He became the starter at quarterback four years later, the team wrote on their website.
After nine seasons, he then spent three with the New York Giants, before seeing out his career with six seasons with the Broncos.
He became the first starting quarterback to appear in the Super Bowl with more than one team, per the NFL, losing with the Cowboys in 1971 before they won a year later, and then losing to the Cowboys with the Broncos in 1978.
In 1977, he won NFL Comeback Player of the Year and AFC Offensive Player of the Year.
He retired after starting three games in the 1982 season, and ended his career ranked in the top 20 all-time in yards passing and touchdown passes, per ESPN.
He was voted into the Broncos' Ring of Fame in 1988, six years after his retirement, the team said.
All three of his former teams have paid tribute. The Broncos said they were "saddened" by his death in an X post, while the Cowboys paid tribute to Morton on X, sending their thoughts and prayers to his loved ones, and the Giants described him as a "great leader and teammate" on X.
In 1992, for his time with the Golden Bears, he was inducted into the NFF College Football Hall of Fame. Archie Manning, the then-NFF chairman, said in a statement: "Craig Morton embodied excellence on the field, leadership under pressure, and a lifelong commitment to the game.
"Despite playing on teams that struggled in the win-loss column, Craig's remarkable talent, toughness and competitive spirit made him one of the most respected quarterbacks of his era."
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Per the Broncos, he is survived by his wife, Kym; his sister; his children; and his grandchildren.
