By Darin From the high-pressure huddles of the Dallas Cowboys to the thin air of Mile High, few quarterbacks have commanded the gridiron with as much resilience and longevity as Craig Morton. He didn’t just play the game; he bridged eras of football history, becoming the first quarterback to lead two different franchises to the Super Bowl.
Football Bio
February 5, 1943 – Flint, Michigan – Craig Morton, the quarterback from California, was born. In 1964, Craig was named an All-America selection by the Football Coaches Association, the Football Writers Association, the Sporting News, and Time Magazine, though his team finished with a 7-7 record. The National Football Foundation selected Craig Morton for entrance into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1992. After he left Cal, he played 18 years in the NFL, playing with the Cowboys, Giants, and Broncos.
Conclusion
Craig Morton’s legacy is defined by his remarkable consistency and his ability to thrive under different systems. Whether he was setting records at Cal or leading the “Orange Crush” defense-led Broncos to their first-ever Super Bowl appearance, Morton remained a consummate professional. His 18-season tenure in the NFL stands as a testament to his toughness and tactical mind, securing his place as one of the most respected signal-callers of his generation.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1992.
- Consensus All-American: 1964 (AFCA, FWAA, Sporting News, Time).
- Pop Warner Trophy Winner: 1964 (Top senior player on the West Coast).
- NFL Comeback Player of the Year: 1977.
- AFC Offensive Player of the Year: 1977.
- Two-Time Super Bowl Starter: Super Bowl V (Dallas Cowboys) and Super Bowl XII (Denver Broncos).
- Super Bowl VI Champion: Member of the Dallas Cowboys.
- Denver Broncos Ring of Fame: Inducted in 1988.
- California Bears Retired Number: His #12 is retired by UC Berkeley.
