The NFL has lost one of the defining quarterbacks of its formative Super Bowl era, with Craig Morton passing away at the age of 83.

Morton, whose 18-year NFL career stretched from 1965 to 1982, remains one of the league’s most distinctive figures — a quarterback who led two different franchises to their first-ever Super Bowl appearances and whose career intersected with some of the most iconic teams and rivalries in league history.

The New York Giants were among the first organisations to publicly acknowledge Morton’s death, saying in a statement: “We are saddened to hear of Craig’s passing. He was a great leader and teammate. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”

The Dallas Cowboys added: “We are saddened to learn of Craig’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time.”

Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos paid tribute to the quarterback who helped transform the franchise into a contender, noting that Morton “led the team to its first playoff appearance and Super Bowl berth” during the 1977 season.

Selected fifth overall out of California by Dallas in the 1965 NFL Draft, Morton initially operated in the shadow of Don Meredith before eventually taking over as starter in 1969. He guided the Cowboys to Super Bowl V — the franchise’s first appearance in the championship game — and threw Dallas’ first Super Bowl touchdown pass in a narrow defeat to the Baltimore Colts.

His career soon became intertwined with one of the NFL’s most famous quarterback controversies as legendary head coach Tom Landry alternated Morton and future Hall of Famer Roger Staubach during the 1971 season. Staubach ultimately secured the starting role as Dallas captured victory in Super Bowl VI, though Morton still earned a championship ring as part of the squad.

A mid-1970s move to the Giants proved difficult, with Morton enduring struggles behind a rebuilding roster and posting an 8-25 record across 34 appearances in New York. Yet the final act of his career would become his most remarkable.

Traded to Denver in 1977 at the age of 34, Morton engineered one of the NFL’s great late-career revivals. He led the Broncos to a 12-2 regular season record, their first playoff appearance and an AFC Championship before reaching Super Bowl XII — ironically against the Cowboys.

That run earned Morton multiple honours, including NFL Comeback Player of the Year and AFC Offensive Player of the Year recognition. He also became the first quarterback in league history to start a Super Bowl for two different franchises, a feat later matched by only a handful of modern greats.

Morton retired following the 1982 season having thrown for 27,908 yards and 183 touchdowns across 207 career games. He was inducted into the Broncos Ring of Fame in 1988 and the College Football Hall of Fame four years later.