Craig Morton, a Super Bowl-winning quarterback who led multiple teams to success, has passed away. He was 83.
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The Denver Broncos and Dallas Cowboys both announced the news on Monday afternoon. According to their statements, the family confirmed that Morton passed on May 9. Neither NFL team provided a cause of death.
Morton, a Michigan native, spent his college years playing for the University of California. He entered the NFL as the fifth overall pick in the 1965 NFL Draft, and he started his career working as the backup behind Don Meredith.
However, he took over as the starter in 1969 and led the team to a 10-2-1 record. He also led the NFL with 16.2 yards per completion. He started Super Bowl 5 for the Cowboys and threw a touchdown, but the team lost by three points to the Colts.
Morton won Super Bowl 6 with the Cowboys during the 1971 season, but he only started part of the season. He lost the starting job to Roger Staubach. Although he returned as the starter in 1972 due to Staubach sustaining an injury.
The Cowboys ultimately traded the Michigan native to the Giants in 1974 for a first-round pick. Morton then spent 2.5 seasons with the Giants before heading to the Broncos.
"We are saddened to learn of Craig's passing," the Cowboys said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time."
Morton spent the final six seasons of his NFL career with the Broncos, and he led the team to its first-ever playoff appearance. He posted a 12-2 record as a starting quarterback while throwing for 1,929 yards, 14 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. He added four rushing touchdowns.
We are saddened to learn of the passing of #BroncosROF quarterback Craig Morton, who died on Saturday at the age of 83.
Morton quarterbacked the Broncos from 1977-82 and led the team to its first playoff appearance and Super Bowl berth (XII vs. Dallas) in the 1977 season.
📰 »… pic.twitter.com/3hpZT1vDss
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) May 11, 2026
The Broncos beat the Steelers and Raiders during the playoffs and secured a spot in Super Bowl 12. However, the season ended with a loss to the Cowboys, Morton's former team. He still locked up PFWA Comeback Player of the Year, NFL UPI MVP, and AFC Offensive Player of the Year.
The veteran quarterback led the Broncos to the playoffs three times in his six seasons as quarterback. He threw for 11,895 yards and 74 touchdowns, both of which set team records. He ultimately earned a spot in the Broncos' Ring of Fame in 1988.
