Craig Morton, quarterback for Cowboys and Broncos, dies at 83 : NPR
NPR • • general
Key Points:
- Craig Morton, a pioneering NFL quarterback who started Super Bowls for both the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos, has died at age 83 in Mill Valley, California.
- Morton was one of only four quarterbacks to start Super Bowls for two different teams, though his only ring came as a backup; he led the Cowboys in Super Bowl V and the Broncos in Super Bowl XII, both resulting in losses.
- Known for his strong arm and college success at California, Morton was drafted fifth overall in 1965 by the Cowboys and later played for the Giants before revitalizing his career with the Broncos in the late 1970s.
- He led the Broncos to a 12-2 record and playoff victories in 1977, contributing to the rise of the Orange Crush defense, and posted career highs in 1981 before retiring after the 1982 season.
- Morton finished with nearly 28,000 passing yards and 183 touchdowns, was among the top 20 in passing stats at retirement, and was inducted into the Broncos' Ring of Fame in 1988.