Former QB Craig Morton dies; Patriots rookie shines
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Denver — Craig Morton, former Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos quarterback, died Saturday in Mill Valley, California at age 83, the Broncos confirmed through his family. In Foxborough, Massachusetts, Behren Morton — the Patriots' 234th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft out of Texas Tech — took all quarterback reps and completed 11-of-11 during 11-on-11s Saturday. Morton is one of four quarterbacks to start Super Bowls for two franchises; his starts included Super Bowl V and a later matchup while his only Super Bowl ring came as a backup. The Patriots have designated Drake Maye as the starter, released Joshua Dobbs this offseason and extended Tommy DeVito; Patriots plan to scale back reps when the full roster convenes Monday.
Prepared by Emily Rhodes and reviewed by editorial team.
Timeline of Events
- Super Bowl V (end of 1970 season): Craig Morton started for the Dallas Cowboys in a 16-13 loss.
- Seven years later Morton started for the Denver Broncos in a Super Bowl matchup against his former team and was replaced after turnovers.
- Morton completed an 18-year NFL playing career and later earned a Super Bowl ring as a backup.
- Morton died Saturday in Mill Valley, California, the Broncos confirmed through his family.
- In 2026 the New England Patriots drafted Behren Morton 234th overall; he completed 11-of-11 during Saturday’s rookie minicamp 11-on-11s.
Why This Matters to You
Craig Morton's passing is a reminder of the fleeting nature of sports glory. His career spanned 18 years, with highs and lows, and he left a mark on both the Cowboys and Broncos. For Patriots fans, Behren Morton's promising start could be a glimpse of the future. If you're a football fan, consider taking a moment to remember Morton's legacy.
The Bottom Line
Football is a game of generations. As we bid farewell to a seasoned veteran like Craig Morton, we also welcome potential stars like Behren Morton. It's a cycle that keeps the sport alive and exciting. Worth forwarding if you know someone who loves the history and future of football.
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The New England Patriots and rookie Behren Morton benefited from extended practice reps that provided evaluators clear performance data for offseason quarterback depth decisions.
Craig Morton's family, former teammates and fans of the Cowboys and Broncos suffered the loss following his death at age 83.
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