05/12/2026
Rest in Peace Craig Morton
1973 Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® Sports Marshal
Craig Morton, the resilient and pioneering quarterback who led both the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos to their first Super Bowl appearances, passed away on May 9, 2026, at his home in Mill Valley, California. He was 83.
Born in Flint, Michigan, in February 1943, Morton rose to prominence at the University of California, where he earned All-American honors in 1964 and was later inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1992. Drafted fifth overall by the Cowboys in 1965, he became the first quarterback in NFL history to start Super Bowls for two different franchises — Dallas in Super Bowl V and Denver in Super Bowl XII.
Morton’s career spanned 18 seasons across three teams: the Cowboys, New York Giants, and Broncos. His defining moment came in 1977 when, at age 34, he guided Denver to a 12–2 record and its first playoff and Super Bowl berth. Despite losing to his former team, Morton’s grit earned him multiple honors that year, including AFC Offensive Player of the Year, PFWA Comeback Player of the Year, and NFL UPI MVP.
Over six seasons in Denver, Morton threw for 11,895 yards and 74 touchdowns, ranking third in franchise history behind John Elway and Peyton Manning. He was inducted into the Broncos Ring of Fame in 1988 and the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame in 1986.
Known for his toughness and leadership, Morton played through injuries and adversity, earning the respect of teammates and fans alike. “Craig Morton is unbelievable,” fellow Ring of Famer Haven Moses once said. “To me, he’s the most valuable player in the National Football League.”
Morton’s legacy endures as a bridge between eras — a quarterback who helped define the modern passing game and brought credibility to two franchises that would later become NFL powerhouses. He is survived by family and friends who remember him not only as a competitor but as a man of integrity and perseverance.
Condolences to his family and friends and may he Rest in Peace.
Sourced using wikipedia and MSN.
Special thanks to Chris Gory for his notification of Morton's Passing.