Former NFL quarterback Craig Morton has died at the age of 83.
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Morton died on Saturday in Mill Valley following a long football career that spanned 18 NFL seasons.
He made history as the first quarterback to start a Super Bowl for two different franchises, the Dallas Cowboys and the Denver Broncos.
Since then, only Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, and Kurt Warner have achieved the same feat, with each eventually winning at least one Super Bowl title.
Morton earned his lone Super Bowl ring as a backup quarterback with Dallas in 1972.
Nfl Legend Dies After Groundbreaking Career Across Multiple Franchises
Before entering the NFL, Morton starred at University of California between 1962 and 1964.
During his college career, he set a Pac-8 record with 4,501 passing yards and broke several school passing records.
His achievements later earned him induction into the College Football Hall of Fame, the Cal Athletic Hall of Fame, and the San Jose Sports Hall of Fame.
The Cowboys selected Morton with the fifth overall pick in the 1965 NFL Draft, beginning a stint with the franchise that lasted until 1973.
He later played for the New York Giants from 1974 to 1976 before finishing his career with the Broncos between 1977 and 1982.
Across his NFL career, Morton threw for 183 touchdowns and 27,908 passing yards while recording 81 regular-season wins.
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Morton remains one of the most successful quarterbacks in Broncos history.
His 41 regular-season wins still rank third in franchise history, while he helped lead Denver to two division titles and three playoff appearances.
At the time of his retirement, Morton held franchise records for passing yards (11,895), passing touchdowns (74), pass attempts (1,594), and completions (907).
"Playing in those two Super Bowls was a special honor," he previously told ESPN. "I had a long, fulfilling career in the NFL, but those Super Bowl experiences really made it extra rewarding."
Morton joined the Broncos Ring of Fame in 1988 alongside Moses Malone and Jim Turner. Two years earlier, he entered the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame.
The Broncos confirmed in a statement that "Morton passed away surrounded by his loved ones."
He is survived by his wife Kym, his sister, children, and grandchildren.
