Super Bowl-winning quarterback Craig Morton died Saturday.
He was 83 years old.
Morton played 18 seasons in the NFL, spanning from 1965-82, which included parts of three seasons with the Giants — though he’s most remembered for his time with the Cowboys and Broncos.
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“We are saddened to hear of Craig’s passing. He was a great leader and teammate. Our thoughts are with his family and friends,” the Giants said in a statement.
Morton started his career with the Cowboys, who selected him fifth overall in the 1965 NFL Draft out of Cal, and spent his early career backing up Don Meredith before moving into the starter role in 1969.
He would start splitting time with Cowboys legend Roger Staubach in 1971.
Morton started Super Bowl V against the Colts and was part of the Cowboys squad that won Super Bowl VI.
He was traded to the Giants during the 1974 season and would go on to appear in 34 games for Big Blue, throwing for 5,734 yards and 29 touchdowns while posting an 8-25 record.
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Morton revived his career during his six years with the Broncos, where he went 41-23 under center while throwing for nearly 12,000 yards and 74 touchdowns.
He led the Broncos to the franchise’s first playoff appearance and Super Bowl berth during the 1977 season, which Denver ironically lost to Dallas.
Morton was named Comeback Player of the Year for the 1977 season.
He stepped away from the NFL after the 1982 season and was inducted into the Broncos’ Ring of Honor in 1988 during his first year of eligibility.
Four years later, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
Morton finished his pro career with 2,053 completed passes for 27,908 yards, 183 touchdowns and 187 interceptions.
