Craig Morton, the former NFL quarterback who guided the Denver Broncos to their inaugural Super Bowl appearance, passed away on May 9 at his home in Mill Valley, California, at the age of 83. The team confirmed his death on Monday.
Morton spent six seasons with the Broncos from 1977 to 1982, leading Denver to its first playoff berth and a spot in Super Bowl XII. The Broncos posted a 12–2 record in 1977 and secured home playoff victories over the Pittsburgh Steelers and Oakland Raiders before falling 27–10 to the Dallas Cowboys in the Super Bowl. Morton threw four interceptions in that game against his former team.
For his standout performance during the 1977 regular season, Morton was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Year. He also earned The Sporting News Player of the Year, the PFWA Comeback Player of the Year, and the NFL UPI MVP honors for the 1977 season.
In the AFC Championship Game victory over the Raiders, Morton played despite a hip injury that required several days of hospitalization leading up to the contest.
During his tenure with the Broncos, Morton led the team to two division titles and three playoff appearances. He finished his career in Denver holding franchise records at the time for most passing yards (11,895), passing touchdowns (74), pass attempts (1,594), and completions (907). His 41 regular-season wins remain the third-most in franchise history.
Morton was inducted into the Broncos Ring of Fame in 1988, two years after being enshrined in the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame.
He began his NFL career with the Dallas Cowboys, who selected him fifth overall in the 1965 draft. Morton played in Dallas until 1974, when he was traded to the New York Giants after losing the starting role to Roger Staubach.
With the Cowboys, Morton threw for 10,279 yards and 80 touchdowns. Over his entire career, he recorded 183 touchdown passes and 27,908 yards while winning 81 regular-season games.