Craig Morton, the quarterback who first steered the Denver Broncos onto the Super Bowl stage and later took his place in the team’s Ring of Fame, has died at 83 at his home in Mill Valley, California, his family confirmed. Morton, who arrived in Denver in 1977, remained a defining figure in franchise history long after he left the field.
The Denver Post reported Monday that Morton’s family confirmed his death and that the Broncos organization issued a statement mourning his passing. The outlet noted that Morton played nearly two decades in the NFL and kept close ties to both Denver and Northern California, even after his playing days ended.
Career That Bridged Eras
Morton played 18 seasons in the NFL and spent six of those with the Broncos from 1977 through 1982. According to the Denver Broncos, he threw for 11,895 yards in Denver, started 64 of 72 games with the club, and compiled a 41-23 record as a starter while guiding the franchise to its first postseason berth and first Super Bowl appearance.
Honors and Firsts
Morton’s résumé eventually earned him a spot in the Broncos Ring of Fame in 1988 and enshrinement in the College Football Hall of Fame in 1992, per the College Football Hall of Fame. He was also the first quarterback to lead two different franchises to the Super Bowl, taking the Dallas Cowboys to the title game in 1970 and later leading Denver to Super Bowl XII, a distinction noted by The Denver Post.
Broncos Remember Morton
Former teammates, club officials, and fans have long remembered Morton for his toughness, leadership, and central role in lifting the Broncos onto the national stage. The organization’s history pages and the Ring of Fame display continue to underscore his importance in Denver lore, according to the Denver Broncos.
