Craig Morton, American football player and sportscaster

Larry Craig Morton, born on February 5, 1943, stands as a notable figure in American professional football, having carved out an impressive 18-season career as a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL). Renowned for his tenures primarily with the Dallas Cowboys and the Denver Broncos, Morton's journey through the league was marked by significant achievements, challenging transitions, and groundbreaking Super Bowl appearances, solidifying his unique place in NFL history.

A Distinguished NFL Career: From Golden Bear to Cowboy

Morton's football prowess was evident early in his career at the collegiate level, where he excelled as a quarterback for the University of California, Berkeley's Golden Bears. His exceptional talent earned him prestigious All-American honors, signaling his potential for a successful professional career. This promise was recognized by the Dallas Cowboys, who selected him as the fifth overall pick in the highly competitive 1965 NFL Draft. Joining a burgeoning Cowboys franchise, Morton spent nine pivotal seasons in Dallas, establishing himself as a formidable presence under center.

During his time with the Cowboys, Morton was central to the team's evolution into one of the league's dominant forces. He famously guided Dallas to Super Bowl V in 1971, where they ultimately fell to the Baltimore Colts in a closely contested championship game often dubbed the "Blunder Bowl" due to numerous turnovers. Despite this appearance, his tenure was increasingly defined by a highly publicized quarterback controversy with the charismatic Roger Staubach. This internal battle for the starting role, characterized by legendary coach Tom Landry's often rotating quarterback decisions, created a divisive narrative among fans and media. Ultimately, the intense competition and Staubach's ascendance led to Morton's departure from Dallas, prompting his trade to the New York Giants, where he played for three seasons.

Denver Broncos Resurgence and Career-Defining Honors

Following his stint with the Giants, Morton embarked on the final, and arguably most impactful, chapter of his career with the Denver Broncos, joining the team for his last six seasons. His time in Denver culminated in a remarkable career resurgence in 1977. That season, Morton orchestrated one of the most compelling comebacks in NFL history, guiding the Broncos, known for their formidable "Orange Crush" defense, to their first-ever Super Bowl appearance. His outstanding leadership and performance earned him dual accolades: the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award, recognizing his significant return to form, and the AFC Offensive Player of the Year award, highlighting his offensive prowess within the conference.

Morton led the AFC Champion Broncos to Super Bowl XII, a poignant matchup against his former team, the Dallas Cowboys, led by Roger Staubach. Despite the Broncos ultimately losing the championship game, Morton's achievement in guiding an expansion-era franchise to the Super Bowl for the first time remains a monumental feat in franchise history and a testament to his enduring talent.

Upon his retirement in 1982, Larry Morton left an indelible mark on the sport. His post-playing career was further adorned with significant honors, cementing his legacy. In 1988, he was rightfully inducted into the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame, an exclusive honor recognizing the most impactful players in franchise history. This was followed by his induction into the prestigious College Football Hall of Fame in 1992, acknowledging his exceptional collegiate career at California.

Unprecedented Super Bowl Achievements: A Dual-Conference Pioneer

Larry Morton holds a truly distinctive place in Super Bowl history, marked by two groundbreaking achievements that underscore his enduring impact:

These milestones illustrate Morton's adaptability and leadership, distinguishing him as a pioneering figure in an era of significant NFL expansion and realignment.

Larry Morton's Lasting Legacy

Larry Craig Morton's career was a testament to perseverance, talent, and leadership. From his collegiate All-American days to his dual Super Bowl appearances with different franchises across both conferences, he navigated a complex and competitive NFL landscape with remarkable resilience. His story, marked by the intense Dallas quarterback controversy and his subsequent triumphant resurgence in Denver, firmly establishes him as one of the most historically significant quarterbacks of his era. His inductions into the College Football Hall of Fame and the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame further solidify his esteemed place in football history.

Frequently Asked Questions About Larry Morton

When was Larry Morton born?
Larry Craig Morton was born on February 5, 1943.
Which NFL teams did Larry Morton primarily play for?
He played primarily for the Dallas Cowboys and the Denver Broncos, though he also had a stint with the New York Giants.
What was the "quarterback controversy" Larry Morton was involved in?
During his time with the Dallas Cowboys, Larry Morton was involved in a highly publicized quarterback controversy with Roger Staubach, where both players frequently rotated as the starter, creating a significant internal and public debate over the team's primary signal-caller.
What unique Super Bowl records does Larry Morton hold?
Larry Morton is the first starting quarterback to appear in the Super Bowl with more than one franchise (Dallas Cowboys, Denver Broncos) and to represent both NFL conferences (NFC and AFC). He is also the only quarterback to start for multiple franchises in their inaugural Super Bowl appearance.
What major awards did Larry Morton win in 1977?
In 1977, while with the Denver Broncos, Larry Morton won both the NFL Comeback Player of the Year and the AFC Offensive Player of the Year awards.
Is Larry Morton in the College Football Hall of Fame?
Yes, Larry Morton was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1992.
Is Larry Morton in the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame?
Yes, he was named to the Denver Broncos Ring of Fame in 1988.