Broncos Legend Craig Morton Passes Away
Craig Morton, a key figure in Denver Broncos history, has passed away at the age of 78. His family confirmed the sad news on May 9. Morton is remembered as the quarterback who led the Broncos to their very first Super Bowl appearance.
Morton’s time with the Broncos spanned six seasons, from 1977 to 1982. During his first year, he guided the team to a 12-2 record, marking their entry into the playoffs. That season, he earned several honors, including the AFC’s Offensive Player of the Year. His performance helped the Broncos secure home playoff victories against the Steelers and the Raiders.
Haven Moses, a fellow Ring of Famer, praised Morton during the Broncos’ first AFC Championship win, calling him “unbelievable” and highlighting his value to the team. Remarkably, Morton played through a hip injury during that crucial championship game, demonstrating his dedication and toughness.
In addition to his Super Bowl run, Morton led the team to two division titles and a total of three playoff appearances. While with Denver, he set several franchise records, including most passing yards (11,895), touchdowns (74), and completions (907). To this day, his 41 regular-season wins remain a significant achievement in the team’s history.
Morton’s journey in football began long before he joined the Broncos. He played for the Dallas Cowboys from 1965 to 1974, throwing over 80 touchdowns and racking up more than 10,000 passing yards. Before arriving in Denver, he had a brief stint with the New York Giants.
His legacy has been recognized in multiple ways. Morton was inducted into the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame in 1988 and the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame in 1986. He also earned a place in the College Football Hall of Fame in 1992, a fitting tribute to his collegiate excellence at the University of California.
Morton passed away in Mill Valley, California, surrounded by his loved ones. He leaves behind his wife, Kym, children, grandchildren, and his sister, who will cherish his memory. His impact on the Broncos and the sport will not be forgotten.
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