Craig Morton
Getty
Denver Broncos quarterback Craig Morton died at 83 years old.
The Denver Broncos lost 1 of their Ring of Fame members on Saturday after former starting quarterback Craig Morton died at 83 years old. The team announced the news about Morton’s death on social media.
“We are saddened to learn of the passing ofBroncos Ring of Fame quarterback Craig Morton, who died on Saturday at the age of 83,” the Broncos wrote on their official X account on Monday. “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.”
Morton finished his lengthy NFL career with the Broncos, playing the final 6 seasons of in Denver from 1977 to 1982. He is most well known for guiding the Broncos to their 1st Super Bowl appearance in franchise history following the 1977 season.
Morton was also named both NFL Comeback Player of the Year and AFC Offensive Player of the Year in 1977.
“The Ring of Famer guided the Broncos to a 12-2 record that season and notched home playoff wins against the Steelers and Cowboys,” Broncos lead writer Aric Dilalla wrote. “For his performance during that 1977 season, Morton was named the AFC’s Offensive Player of the Year. He was also named the Sporting News Player of the Year, the PFWA Comeback Player of the Year and the NFL UPI MVP for the 1997 season.”
Morton is the 1st starting quarterback in NFL history to appear in the Super Bowl with 2 different teams after leading the Dallas Cowboys to an appearance in Super Bowl V, and the 1st quarterback in NFL history to lead 2 different franchises to their 1st Super Bowl appearance.