SouthernWorldwide.com – Former Denver Broncos quarterback Craig Morton, a distinguished member of the team’s Ring of Fame, passed away on Saturday at the age of 83.
Morton was instrumental in guiding the Broncos to their inaugural playoff appearance, a journey that culminated in their participation in Super Bowl XII during the 1977 season.
Following a remarkable 12-2 record in the regular season, and securing playoff victories against the Pittsburgh Steelers and the then-Oakland Raiders, Morton was recognized as the AFC Offensive Player of the Year.
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“Craig Morton is unbelievable,” fellow Ring of Famer Haven Moses remarked after the Broncos clinched the AFC Championship in 1978, as reported by The New York Times. “To me, he’s the most valuable player in the National Football League.”
In addition to his AFC Offensive Player of the Year honor, Morton also received the Sporting News Player of the Year award, the PFWA Comeback Player of the Year award, and the NFL UPI MVP in 1977.
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“We are saddened to learn of the passing of #BroncosROF quarterback Craig Morton, who died on Saturday at the age of 83,” the Denver Broncos announced on social media.
During his six seasons with the Broncos, Morton led the team to two division titles and three playoff berths. He concluded his tenure in Denver with 11,895 passing yards, a franchise record at the time of his departure.
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Morton also held the Broncos’ franchise records for pass attempts (1,594) and completions (907). However, his time with the Broncos represented the latter portion of his distinguished NFL career.
He was initially drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 1965, selected as the fifth overall pick out of Cal. Morton spent the first 10 seasons of his career with the Cowboys, where he amassed 10,279 passing yards, throwing for 80 touchdowns against 73 interceptions. His record with Dallas stood at 32 wins, 14 losses, and 1 tie.
Subsequently, during the 1974 season, Morton was traded to the New York Giants, a division rival of the Cowboys. He posted a 1-6 record in his initial seven starts that year and did not achieve significant success with the Giants across his three seasons with the team.
Throughout his entire NFL career, Morton recorded 27,908 passing yards and 183 touchdowns. He maintained an overall record of 81 wins, 62 losses, and 1 tie in 207 games played.
