Full Breakdown
Craig Morton, First Quarterback to Start Super Bowls for Two Teams, Dies at 83
5/12/2026, 8:22:53 AM
Death Announcement
Craig Morton died on May 9, 2026, at age 83 at his Mill Valley, California home, surrounded by his family. The Denver Broncos confirmed the news through a family statement and a social-media post.
Career Highlights
Morton entered the NFL after being selected fifth overall by the Dallas Cowboys in the 1965 draft, also tenth overall in the AFL’s Oakland Raiders selection. He became the Cowboys’ starter in 1969 and led Dallas to Super Bowl V, throwing the franchise’s first Super Bowl touchdown pass in a 16-13 loss. After serving as backup on the Cowboys’ Super Bowl VI championship team, he was traded to the New York Giants in 1974 for picks that became Hall of Famer Randy White. In New York he posted 5,734 yards, 29 touchdowns and 49 interceptions. The Broncos acquired Morton in 1977; he guided Denver to a 12-2 record, an AFC Championship win, and its first Super Bowl appearance. His 1977 performance earned AFC Offensive Player of the Year, PFWA Comeback Player of the Year, NFL UPI MVP and Sporting News Player of the Year. He retired after the 1982 season, finishing with an 81-62-1 regular-season record in 207 games (144 starts).
Career Statistics & Legacy
Morton completed his NFL career with 27,908 passing yards, 183 touchdowns and 187 interceptions. His regular-season record stood at 81-62-1 and his postseason record at 5-5. For Denver he amassed 11,895 yards, 74 touchdowns, 1,594 attempts and 907 completions, placing him third in franchise history behind Peyton Manning and John Elway. He logged 14 game-winning drives (second only to Elway) and 41 regular-season wins, the third-most for the Broncos. In 1977 he posted 1,929 yards and 14 touchdowns; in 1981 he reached career highs of 3,195 yards and 21 touchdowns.
Official Statements
The Broncos posted on X that they were saddened by Morton’s passing; the Cowboys and Giants also issued condolences, noting his contributions to their franchises.
Criticism & Opposition
Morton’s Super Bowl XII showing was criticized for four interceptions and a 4-of-15, 39-yard effort, and his Giants tenure was called forgettable.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Craig Morton is unbelievable,” — Haven Moses, Broncos Ring of Famer.
- “He was our leader that year that we went 12-2, the first year he came to Denver,” — Steve Foley, Broncos Ring of Famer.
- “I don’t know how he even suited up,” — Steve Foley.
- “We are saddened to learn of Craig’s passing,” — Dallas Cowboys.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
One source lists Morton’s birthdate as February 5, 1983, in Flint, Michigan, conflicting with multiple accounts that record his birth in February 1943 in Michigan. Another outlet attributes 5,734 passing yards to his Broncos tenure, a figure that matches his Giants statistics, indicating a reporting error. No source provides details on funeral arrangements.
