Biography
Craig Morton was Born Larry Craig Morton on February 5, 1943, in Flint, Michigan, he became famous for his long and successful career in the National Football League (NFL). Morton played for nearly two decades and became known for his leadership, strong passing ability, and determination on the field.
Although he was born in Michigan, Morton grew up in Campbell, California, where he attended Campbell High School. During his teenage years, he showed outstanding athletic ability. He was talented not only in football but also in basketball and baseball. His strong arm as a baseball pitcher even attracted attention from professional baseball scouts. However, football eventually became his true passion.
Craig Morton later attended the University of California, Berkeley, where he played college football for the California Golden Bears. Despite playing on teams that struggled to win games, Morton’s personal performances stood out. He became one of the best quarterbacks in the country and earned first-team All-American honors in 1964. His college achievements helped him gain national recognition and made him one of the top prospects entering professional football.
In the 1965 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys selected Morton as the fifth overall pick. This marked the beginning of a remarkable professional football career that would last 18 seasons. Throughout his time in the NFL, Morton played for the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, and Denver Broncos. He became one of the first quarterbacks in league history to lead two different franchises to the Super Bowl.
Morton passed away on May 9, 2026, at his home in Mill Valley, California, at the age of 83. His death marked the end of a legendary football life that inspired generations of players and fans.
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Early Life and Education
Craig Morton’s early life played a major role in shaping his athletic future. Growing up in California, he quickly became known as one of the best young athletes in the state. At Campbell High School, he excelled in football, basketball, and baseball. Coaches admired his work ethic, leadership, and natural athletic gifts.
As a football player, Morton became one of Northern California’s most celebrated high school quarterbacks. He earned All-State honors and was selected to participate in the California Shrine High School football game, a major honor for young athletes at the time.
After graduating from high school in 1961, Morton attended the University of California, Berkeley. There, he played under future Hall of Fame coaches Marv Levy and Bill Walsh. Although California did not have winning seasons during his years with the team, Morton consistently impressed with his talent.
By the time he finished college, he had broken several school passing records. He threw for 4,501 career passing yards, which was a major achievement during that era of football. His strong performances earned him the Pop Warner Trophy and recognition as one of the best players on the West Coast.
Morton’s college career proved that individual excellence could shine even on struggling teams. NFL scouts admired his toughness and intelligence, qualities that would later define his professional career.
Career
Craig Morton began his NFL journey with the Dallas Cowboys in 1965. During his early seasons, he served mainly as the backup quarterback to Don Meredith. However, injuries and opportunities allowed Morton to showcase his skills.
By 1969, Morton officially became the Cowboys’ starting quarterback. He immediately made an impact with strong passing performances and helped the team become a serious championship contender. One of his greatest achievements came during the 1970 season when he led Dallas to Super Bowl V.
Although the Cowboys lost the game to the Baltimore Colts, Morton’s leadership gained widespread respect. However, his time in Dallas became complicated because of the famous quarterback competition between Morton and Roger Staubach. Head coach Tom Landry alternated both quarterbacks during games, creating one of the biggest controversies in NFL history.
Eventually, Staubach became the permanent starter, and Morton’s future with the Cowboys became uncertain.
In 1974, Morton was traded to the New York Giants. Unfortunately, his years in New York were difficult. The Giants struggled as a team, and Morton faced criticism from frustrated fans.
Despite the challenges, he continued to demonstrate professionalism and experience. Although the Giants did not achieve major success during his time there, Morton never stopped competing.
His difficult years in New York later became an important chapter in his comeback story.
Craig Morton revived his career after joining the Denver Broncos in 1977. At age 34, many believed his best football years were over. Instead, Morton delivered one of the greatest comeback seasons in NFL history.
He led Denver to an outstanding season and guided the franchise to its very first Super Bowl appearance in Super Bowl XII. Morton became the first quarterback ever to start a Super Bowl for two different teams.
His performances earned him NFL Comeback Player of the Year and AFC Offensive Player of the Year honors in 1977. Fans in Denver admired his leadership, toughness, and calm personality under pressure.
Morton remained with the Broncos until retiring in 1982. During his final years, he continued to produce strong performances and helped establish the Broncos as a respected NFL franchise.
Craig Morton finished his NFL career with impressive statistics and accomplishments. Over 18 seasons, he passed for more than 27,000 yards and threw 183 touchdown passes.
His achievements include:
- Super Bowl champion with the Dallas Cowboys
- NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 1977
- AFC Offensive Player of the Year
- Denver Broncos Ring of Fame member
- College Football Hall of Fame inductee
Morton’s impact on football extended beyond statistics. He became known for perseverance, professionalism, and leadership. His ability to overcome setbacks inspired countless athletes.
Personal Life
Away from football, Craig Morton lived a relatively private and balanced life. Friends and teammates often described him as intelligent, calm, and respectful. Unlike many sports stars, Morton avoided constant media attention and focused heavily on family life.
After retiring from football, Morton remained connected to the sport through coaching and broadcasting activities. He briefly served as head coach of the Denver Gold in the United States Football League (USFL). He also participated in football analysis and contributed to sports discussions over the years.
In 2008, Morton co-authored the book Then Morton Said to Elway…, which shared memorable stories from Denver Broncos history. The book gave fans deeper insight into the NFL and his experiences throughout his career.
Morton spent much of his retirement in California, enjoying a quieter lifestyle after decades in professional sports.
Net Worth
At the time of his death, Craig Morton was believed to have built a comfortable financial life through football contracts, endorsements, coaching work, and business opportunities. Although exact numbers were never officially confirmed, many reports estimated his net worth to be between several million dollars.
During the early years of the NFL, player salaries were far lower than they are today. Even so, Morton’s long career, combined with coaching and public appearances, allowed him to achieve financial stability.
He also benefited from book projects, speaking engagements, and his long association with the NFL community. Morton’s financial success reflected years of hard work and dedication both on and off the field.
Family
Family played an important role in Craig Morton’s life. He grew up in a supportive household that encouraged his athletic dreams from an early age.
Although Morton kept much of his private family life away from the public spotlight, those close to him often spoke about his loyalty and dedication as a father and family man.
His family remained by his side throughout his football career and retirement years. Following his passing in May 2026, many former teammates, coaches, and fans expressed condolences to his loved ones.
Morton’s legacy continues through the memories shared by his family, friends, teammates, and football supporters across America.
Cause of Death
Craig Morton died on May 9, 2026, at his home in Mill Valley, California. He was 83 years old at the time of his death.
Public reports confirmed his passing, though detailed medical information regarding the exact cause of death was not widely disclosed. His death marked a heartbreaking moment for football fans who remembered him as one of the NFL’s toughest and most respected quarterbacks.
Tributes quickly poured in from former teammates, sports journalists, and NFL organizations. Many praised Morton for his incredible resilience, leadership, and contributions to professional football.
Age
Craig Morton was born on February 5, 1943, and died on May 9, 2026. He was 83 years old.
His long life included extraordinary accomplishments both on and off the football field. From his early days in California to becoming an NFL legend, Morton’s journey remains an inspiring sports story.
Conclusion
Craig Morton’s life was a remarkable example of perseverance, talent, and leadership. From becoming a standout quarterback at California to leading both the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos to the Super Bowl, he built a football legacy few players could match.
His career was filled with challenges, including injuries, controversies, and difficult team situations. Yet Morton never gave up. Instead, he reinvented himself and achieved success again later in his career. His famous comeback with the Denver Broncos remains one of the greatest comeback stories in NFL history.
Beyond football, Morton was respected for his humility, professionalism, and commitment to family. Even after retirement, he continued to inspire fans through coaching, storytelling, and mentorship.
Craig Morton will always be remembered as one of the NFL’s most resilient quarterbacks and one of football’s true gentlemen.
FAQs
Who was Craig Morton?
Craig Morton was an American NFL quarterback who played for the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, and Denver Broncos during an 18-year football career.
How old was Craig Morton when he died?
Craig Morton was 83 years old when he died on May 9, 2026.
What was Craig Morton famous for?
He was famous for leading both the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos to the Super Bowl and for his remarkable NFL comeback in 1977.
What was Craig Morton’s net worth?
Although exact figures were not officially confirmed, Craig Morton’s net worth was estimated to be several million dollars from football, coaching, and other activities.
What was Craig Morton’s cause of death?
Craig Morton died at his home in California in May 2026. Detailed medical information about the exact cause of death was not publicly released.
Peter Charles is a journalist and writer who covers battery-material recycling, urban mining, and the growing use of microreactors in industry. With 10 years of experience in industrial reporting, he explains new technologies and industry changes in clear, simple terms. He holds both a BSc and an MSc in Electrical Engineering, which gives him the technical knowledge to report accurately and insightfully on these topics.
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