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NFL Legend Craig Morton, Two-Team Super Bowl Starter, Dies 83

5/12/2026

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Summary

Craig Morton Dies

Craig Morton died at 83 in Mill Valley, California on May 11, 2026.
He played 18 NFL seasons (1965-1982) with Dallas, New York and Denver.
Morton started Super Bowl V for Dallas and Super Bowl XII for Denver, first quarterback to start game with two teams.
He retired with 27,908 yards, 183 touchdowns, 187 interceptions, an 81-62-1 record and entered the Broncos’ Ring of Fame in 1988, ranking third behind Elway and Manning.

Summary

Craig Morton Dies

The Denver Broncos posted on X that former player Morton died at home surrounded by loved ones.
Ring of Famer Haven Moses called Morton the most valuable player in the NFL in a 1978 New York Times article.
The 1974 trade that sent Morton to the New York Giants yielded a 1975 first-round pick the Cowboys used to draft Hall of Famer Randy White.

History

Historical Context

After the Denver Broncos sent quarterback Craig Morton to the New York Giants in April 1974, the Giants traded the pick they received for the Cowboys’ 1975 #2 selection, which became Hall of Famer Randy White. Morton later revived his career, earning 1977 Comeback Player of the Year and finishing with 27,908 passing yards. His May 9, 2026 death recalls how that trade reshaped both franchises.

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Craig Morton Dies

Craig Morton died at 83 in Mill Valley, California on May 11, 2026.
He played 18 NFL seasons (1965-1982) with Dallas, New York and Denver.
Morton started Super Bowl V for Dallas and Super Bowl XII for Denver, first quarterback to start game with two teams.
He retired with 27,908 yards, 183 touchdowns, 187 interceptions, an 81-62-1 record and entered the Broncos’ Ring of Fame in 1988, ranking third behind Elway and Manning.

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