Former Denver Broncos Star Quarterback Craig Morton Dies at 83
Craig Morton, a Super Bowl-winning quarterback on the Dallas Cowboys who later emerged as a star on the Denver Broncos, has passed away at 83.
On Monday, the Broncos announced that Craig Morton died on Saturday in Mill Valley, California. Morton's family confirmed the news to the organization.
We are saddened to learn of the passing of #BroncosROF quarterback Craig Morton, who died on Saturday at the age of 83.
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) May 11, 2026
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.
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The Dallas Cowboys drafted Morton in the first round (fifth overall) in 1965. The Oakland Raiders also selected him 75th overall in the 1965 AFL Draft, but Morton decided to play for legendary coach Tom Landry in Dallas.
Morton led the Cowboys to their first Super Bowl appearance in the 1970 season, a 16-13 loss to the Baltimore Colts. Roger Staubach emerged as the Cowboys' new starting QB in 1971, leading Dallas to a Super Bowl championship. Morton won a ring as Staubach's backup.
After Staubach asserted himself as the starter, Morton joined the New York Giants in 1974. He spent three seasons there before getting traded to the Denver Broncos in 1977.
Craig Morton Put the Broncos on the Map in the 70s
That year, Morton won Comeback Player of the Year honors after throwing for 1,929 yards and 14 touchdowns. Denver reached Super Bowl 12, falling to Staubach and the Cowboys. Morton became the first starting signal-caller to lead two different NFL teams to a Super Bowl.
Morton is third all-time in Broncos passing yards (11,895) and touchdowns (74). Only John Elway (51,475 yards, 300 touchdowns) and Peyton Manning (17,112 yards, 140 touchdowns) threw for more in a Denver uniform.
Before Morton's arrival in 1977, the Broncos had never qualified for the postseason. He guided them to three straight playoff appearances, putting the team on the football map long before Elway's arrival in 1983.
This story was originally published by Men's Journal on May 11, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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This story was originally published May 11, 2026 at 4:29 PM.