The football world is mourning the loss of former Denver Broncos quarterback Craig Morton, who has died at the age of 83.
The legendary signal-caller passed away Saturday at his home in Mill Valley, California, surrounded by family and loved ones, according to the Broncos organization. Fans across the NFL are now remembering the quarterback who helped turn Denver into a powerhouse long before the franchise became a Super Bowl dynasty.
Morton made history during the unforgettable 1977 season when he led the Broncos to their very first Super Bowl appearance. At the time, Denver was still fighting for respect in the league, but Morton helped change everything almost overnight.
The veteran quarterback guided the team to a dominant 12-2 regular season record before the Broncos ultimately fell to the Dallas Cowboys in Super Bowl XII. Ironically, the Cowboys were also one of Morton’s former teams, making the matchup one of the biggest storylines in football that year.
His performance during that magical season earned him some of the NFL’s biggest honors, including AFC Offensive Player of the Year, NFL UPI MVP, and the PFWA Comeback Player of the Year award.
Former Broncos star Haven Moses once praised Morton in a now-famous quote from 1978.
“Craig Morton is unbelievable,” Moses told The New York Times at the time. “To me, he’s the most valuable player in the National Football League this year.”
Before becoming a Broncos icon, Morton spent years with the Dallas Cowboys and later the New York Giants. Across an incredible 18-season NFL career, he threw for 27,908 yards and 183 touchdowns while winning 81 regular-season games.
The Broncos later honored Morton by inducting him into the team’s Ring of Fame in 1988, cementing his legacy as one of the franchise’s all-time greats.
Morton is survived by his wife, Kym, along with his children, grandchildren, and sister.
For many older football fans, Morton represented toughness, leadership, and the gritty style of football that defined an era. His impact on the Broncos — and the NFL itself — will not be forgotten.
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