Former quarterback Craig Morton, who led the Broncos to their first Super Bowl appearance, died on May 9, his family confirmed.
Morton, who spent six seasons with the Broncos from 1977–82, led Denver to its first playoff appearance and a berth in Super Bowl XII.
The Ring of Famer led the Broncos to a 12–2 record that season and home playoff wins against the Steelers and Cowboys. For his performance during the 1977 season, Morton was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Year. He was also named Sporting News Player of the Year, PFWA Comeback Player of the Year, and NFL UPI MVP for the 1977 season.
According to a 1978 New York Times article, Ring of Famer Haven Moses said after the Broncos’ first AFC championship, “Craig Morton is unbelievable.” “For me he’s the most valuable player in the National Football League this year.”
In that AFC Championship Game victory, Morton played despite a hip injury that caused him to spend several days in the hospital before the match against the rival Raiders.
During his Broncos career, Morton led the team to two division titles and three playoff berths. He finished his career with the most passing yards (11,895), passing touchdowns (74), pass attempts (1,594) and completions (907) in franchise history.
Their 41 regular season wins are the third most in franchise history.
Morton was inducted into the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame in 1988, along with Moses and Jim Turner. He was inducted into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame two years earlier, in 1986.
Prior to his career in Denver, he played for the Cowboys from 1965–74. While with Dallas, he threw for over 80 touchdowns and over 10,000 yards. Morton joined the Giants before the Broncos acquired the veteran quarterback in a trade.
In his career, Morton threw for 183 touchdowns and 27,908 yards, while winning 81 regular season games.
The fifth overall choice in the 1965 NFL Draft, Morton starred collegiately at the University of California, where he also played for the baseball team. Morton was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1992.
Morton died surrounded by his loved ones in Mill Valley, California.
He is survived by his wife, Kim; his sister; his children; And his grandchildren.
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