NEWNow you can listen to Pak Gazette articles!
Former Denver Broncos quarterback Craig Morton, who was inducted into the team’s Ring of Fame, died Saturday. He was 83 years old.
Morton was instrumental in helping the Broncos reach their first playoff appearance and ultimately leading them to Super Bowl XII during the 1977 campaign.
After going 12-2 during the season and earning playoff victories over the Pittsburgh Steelers and then-Oakland Raiders, Morton was named AFC Offensive Player of the Year.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PakGazette.Com
Denver Broncos quarterback Craig Morton stands on the sideline with both hands on his hips. (GETTY)
“Craig Morton is incredible,” fellow Ring of Famer Haven Moses said after the Broncos won the AFC Championship in 1978, according to the New York Times. “To me, he’s the most valuable player in the National Football League.”
Morton also won the Sporting News Player of the Year, PFWA Comeback Player of the Year and UPI NFL MVP in 1977.
AARON RODGERS NEVER MEET WITH STEELERS DESPITE RUMORO-FILLED WEEKEND AS QB’S DECISION REMAINS UP IN THE AIR
“We are saddened to learn of the passing of #BroncosROF quarterback Craig Morton, who passed away Saturday at the age of 83,” the Broncos posted on social media.
Morton also led the Broncos to two different division titles and three playoff berths during his six seasons with the franchise. He finished his career in Denver with 11,895 passing yards, the most in franchise history at the time.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pak Gazette APP
Quarterback Craig Morton #7 of the Denver Broncos drops back to pass during an NFL game at Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado, circa 1978. Morton played for the Broncos from 1977 to 1982. (Focus on sport/Getty Images)
Morton also led the Broncos in pass attempts (1,594) and completions (907). But Morton’s time with the Broncos was the second half of his NFL career.
He was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 1965, the fifth overall pick out of Cal. Morton spent the first 10 seasons of his career with the Cowboys, where he threw for 10,279 yards with 80 touchdowns and 73 interceptions. He was 32-14-1 in his time with Dallas.
Then, during the 1974 season, Morton was traded to the New York Giants, a division rival to the Cowboys. He went 1-6 in his first seven starts that year and would not find much success in New York for three seasons.
Quarterback Craig Morton #7 of the Denver Broncos drops back to pass during an NFL game at Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colorado, circa 1978. Morton played for the Broncos from 1977 to 1982. (Focus on sport/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pak Gazette APP
Over his career, Morton threw for 27,908 yards with 183 touchdowns. He owned a record of 81-62-1 in 207 games.
