Former Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos Quarterback Craig Morton Died at 83
His NFL career spanned 18 years during which time he played for two iconic teams. He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys with the fifth pick in the 1965 NFL draft. But he was also drafted with the 10th pick in the AFL draft by the Oakland Raiders. Nevertheless, he played for the Dallas Cowboys and went on to lead them to their first Super Bowl attempt. They played in Super Bowl V but lost to the Baltimore Colts 16-13. He was with the Cowboys from 1965-1974 and with Denver from 1997-1982. However, the former Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos quarterback Craig Morton has died at 83.
Morton the first quarterback to start Super Bowls for two separate teams. Morton started Super Bowl V and threw the first-ever touchdown pass for Dallas in a Super Bowl that resulted in a loss to the Colts. But he was being pushed by Roger Stauback who eventually won the quarterback job. In 1971, the season ended with the Cowboys winning Super Bowl VI. The Cowboys posted a statement on twitter.com:
“We are saddened to learn of Craig’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time.”
The Cowboys decided to trade Morton in 1974 to the Giants. He spent a total of 34 games with the franchise, but it was a rocky tenure. However, it resulted in his being traded to the Denver Broncos in 1977. The trade revitalized his career and launched Denver to new heights. In 1977, he led the team to a 12-2 record and an AFC Championship with the famous Denver Crush steamrolling their opponents.
Former Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos Quarterback Craig Morton Died at 83
NFL historian Kevin Gallagher listed some of his accomplishments on social media:
18-Year NFL Quarterback #Cowboys #Broncos
• Super Bowl VI Champion
• Led the Cowboys to their first NFC title (1970)
• Led the Broncos to their first AFC title (1977)
• 1977 UPI AFC MVP
• 1977 NFL Comeback Player of the Year
• Broncos Ring of Fame
Gallagher also went on to explain how the Broncos got their first AFC title posting:
“1977 AFC Championship Hobbled after spending a week in the hospital with complications from a hip pointer injury, Morton — who hadn’t practiced — hit Haven Moses for a 74-yard touchdown to give the #Broncos a first-quarter lead over Oakland that they wouldn’t relinquish. Denver’s first AFC title”
Recognizing his contributions to the team, the Denver Broncos posted:
“We are saddened to learn of the passing of #BroncosROF quarterback Craig Morton, who died on Saturday at the age of 83. Morton quarterbacked the Broncos from 1977-82 and led the team to its first playoff appearance and Super Bowl berth (XII vs. Dallas) in the 1977 season.”
Morton played a large role in helping two different franchises become historic. Condolences to his family and friends on his death.
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