Super Bowl champion Craig Morton’s cause of death revealed at 83
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Super Bowl champion quarterback Craig Morton died last week at the age of 83, and the cause of death was announced Monday.
A spokesperson for California’s Marin County Office of Vital Statistics said Morton died May 9 of “acute respiratory failure due to severe sepsis due to a urinary tract infection.” California Post.
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Denver Broncos quarterback Craig Morton throws a pass during a preseason game against the Dallas Cowboys at Mile High Stadium in Denver, Colo., on Aug. 12, 1978. (Malcolm Emmons/USA TODAY NETWORK)
Kym Galloway, the former quarterback’s wife, said: Denver Post That Morton was tired of being in pain and dealing with his back.
“And he just said, ‘I’m giving up. I’m ready to go. I don’t want to do this anymore. I’ve had a great life. And I’m just tired,’ Galloway added. “And then… he said, ‘I never said I was giving up in my life.’
Morton played a critical role in helping the Broncos to their first playoff appearance, ultimately taking them to Super Bowl XII during the 1977 season.
After going 12-2 on the season and winning against the Pittsburgh Steelers and then the Oakland Raiders in the playoffs, Morton was named the AFC Offensive Player of the Year. Morton also earned Sporting News Player of the Year, PFWA Comeback Player of the Year and NFL UPI MVP honors in 1977.
“We are saddened to learn of the death of #BroncosROF quarterback Craig Morton, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 83,” the Broncos said on social media.
Denver Broncos quarterback Craig Morton throws a pass during Super Bowl XII at the Superdome in New Orleans, Los Angeles, on January 15, 1978. The Dallas Cowboys defeated the Broncos 27-10. (Malcolm Emmons/USA TODAY Sports)
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Morton led the Broncos to two different division titles and three playoff appearances during his six seasons with the team. He finished his career in Denver with 11,895 passing yards, the most in franchise history at the time.
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 with 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, 80 touchdowns and 73 interceptions. He went 32-14-1 during his time with Dallas.
Later, during the 1974 season, Morton was moved to the New York Giants, the Cowboys’ division rival. He went 1-6 in his first seven starts that year and didn’t have much success in New York over three seasons.
New York Giants quarterback Craig Morton throws the ball under pressure from Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Andy Russell during a preseason game at Palmer Stadium in Princeton, New Jersey, on August 30, 1975. (Malcolm Emmons/USA TODAY NETWORK)
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During his career, Morton threw for 27,908 yards with 183 touchdowns. He had a record of 81-62-1 in 207 games.
Fox News’ Scott Thompson contributed to this report.
