The NFL community is mourning the loss of a true pioneer and a legendary figure in professional football history. Craig Morton, the steady-handed quarterback who achieved the unprecedented feat of leading two different franchises to the Super Bowl, passed away over the weekend at the age of 83. His death marks the end of an era for fans of the Dallas Cowboys and the Denver Broncos, two organizations where Morton left an indelible mark during his 18-year career.
Morton’s legacy is defined by his longevity, his leadership, and a unique statistical milestone that stood alone for decades. He was the first quarterback in NFL history to start a Super Bowl for two different teams, a feat that would not be matched until the modern era of the sport. Beyond the records, Morton was known as a resilient competitor who thrived in high-pressure environments, guiding his teams through some of the most competitive eras in league history.
Craig Morton and the Super Bowl V Run
Morton began his professional journey in 1965 when he was selected as the fifth overall pick in the NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys. Coming out of the University of California, Berkeley, Morton was expected to be the future of the franchise. However, his path to the starting job was anything but simple, as he found himself at the center of one of the most scrutinized roster battles in sports history.
Super Bowl V and the Staubach Rivalry
For several years, Morton was embroiled in a famous quarterback competition with Hall of Famer Roger Staubach. Head coach Tom Landry famously toggled between the two, even alternating them by the play in some instances. Despite the internal pressure, Morton’s talent shone through. In 1970, he led the Cowboys to the franchise's first-ever Super Bowl appearance. In Super Bowl V, Morton faced off against the Baltimore Colts. While the Cowboys ultimately fell 16-13 in a defensive struggle, Morton had cemented his place as a top-tier starter. He remained with Dallas through 1974, amassing over 10,000 passing yards and 80 touchdowns during his tenure in Texas before a brief stint with the New York Giants.
Resurgence in Denver and the "Orange Crush" Era
While many quarterbacks see their careers wind down in their mid-30s, Craig Morton found a second wind that would define his Hall of Fame-caliber legacy. In 1977, at the age of 34, Morton was traded to the Denver Broncos. His arrival in the Mile High City coincided with the rise of the legendary "Orange Crush" defense, and Morton proved to be the veteran presence the offense desperately needed to reach the next level.
The 1977 Comeback Season
In his first season in Denver, Morton authored one of the greatest career renaissances in NFL history. He led the Broncos to a 12-2 record and the franchise's first-ever playoff appearance. His performance was so dominant that he was named the NFL Comeback Player of the Year and the AFC Offensive Player of the Year. That season culminated in a historic trip to Super Bowl XII, where Morton faced his former team, the Dallas Cowboys. By starting that game, Morton became the first quarterback to start a Super Bowl for two different franchises—a record that remained exclusive to him until Kurt Warner joined the list 31 years later.
A Legacy of Excellence and Longevity
Morton played six seasons in Denver, eventually retiring after the 1982 season. During his time with the Broncos, he threw for 11,895 yards and 74 touchdowns, earning a spot in the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame in 1988. His ability to adapt to different systems and lead different locker rooms earned him the respect of teammates and rivals alike, and he finished his career as one of the most productive passers of his generation.
Over his 18-year career, Morton’s statistical totals were impressive for the era in which he played:
- 27,908 career passing yards
- 183 career passing touchdowns
- First quarterback to start Super Bowls for two different franchises
- 1977 NFL Comeback Player of the Year
- Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame (1992)
Morton’s impact on the game extended beyond the box score. He was a bridge between the old-school NFL of the 1960s and the burgeoning passing league of the 1980s. Coaches often praised his football IQ and his ability to manage the game under duress, traits that allowed him to remain a starter well into his late 30s despite the physical toll of the game.
Remembering an NFL Icon
The news of Morton’s passing has brought forth tributes from across the league. Former teammates have recalled him as a gritty leader who played through significant injuries to keep his team in the hunt. In Denver, he is remembered as the man who helped put the Broncos on the national map, leading them to their first taste of championship contention. In Dallas, he remains a vital part of the early history of "America's Team," a quarterback who helped lay the foundation for a dynasty.
As the NFL continues to evolve, the milestone set by Craig Morton serves as a reminder of his unique place in the record books. While modern legends like Peyton Manning and Tom Brady eventually followed in his footsteps by reaching and winning Super Bowls with multiple teams, Morton was the one who first proved it could be done. He leaves behind a legacy of perseverance and historic achievement that will forever be etched in the annals of football history.
Sources & Original Reporting
