A Life Remembered
Craig Morton, the Hall‑of‑Fame‑caliber quarterback who spent 18 seasons in the NFL, died on May 9 at the age of 83. The news was confirmed by family members and close friends, who said he passed away peacefully in his California home.
Born in Flint, Michigan, and raised in Campbell, California, Morton excelled in three sports at Campbell High School before earning a full scholarship to the University of California, Berkeley. At Cal he became a second‑team All‑American quarterback and won the Pop Warner Award as the top West Coast player.
The Dallas Cowboys selected him in the 1965 draft, and he would later make history as the first quarterback to start a Super Bowl for two different franchises. He appeared in three championship games, earning a Super Bowl ring as a backup with the Cowboys in 1972.
Morton’s career peaked in 1977 when he led the Denver Broncos to a 12‑2 record, a season that earned him both AFC Player of the Year and Comeback Player of the Year honors. His performance that year is still celebrated as one of the most remarkable turnarounds in league history.
Off the field, Morton was known for his humility and generosity. He opened a San Francisco eatery called Mel Hollen’s, a spot that became a gathering place for former teammates and community members. He also played a key role in the renovation campaign for Memorial Stadium at UC Berkeley, a project that modernized the historic venue.
Family was central to Morton’s life. He was married three times and fathered two children, Michael and McKenna. In his final wishes, he requested that his ashes be scattered on Charter Hill, the scenic overlook above the Berkeley campus that he loved.
Legacy at Cal
The University of California, Berkeley has announced plans to name a scholarship in Morton’s honor, ensuring that future student‑athletes can pursue excellence both on the field and in the classroom. His name will also be etched on a plaque near the renovated Memorial Stadium, a lasting reminder of his contributions to the campus community.