The 6’2”, 220-pound Texas Tech quarterback Behren Morton has caught plenty of attention with his play, and fans can’t help but wonder if he’s connected to football royalty.
Specifically, some have asked if he’s related to Craig Morton, the college football legend who went on to play 18 seasons in the NFL and win a Super Bowl. The answer is simple: he’s not. There’s no indication that Behren Morton has any family ties to Craig Morton.
Who is Craig Morton? College and NFL Career
Craig Morton’s college and NFL career left a lasting mark on football history. Born February 5, 1943, Morton played quarterback for the California Golden Bears, where he earned All-American honors and set the stage for a pro career.
Drafted fifth overall by the Dallas Cowboys in the 1965 NFL Draft, he became one of the team’s early stars, helping Dallas rise in the 1970s. Later, after a stint with the New York Giants, he joined the Denver Broncos in 1977.
With Denver, Morton reached new heights, winning the 1977 AFC Most Valuable Player award and leading the Broncos to their first Super Bowl appearance. Across 18 NFL seasons, he threw for nearly 12,000 yards with Denver and 74 touchdowns, ranking among the franchise’s all-time leaders.
His toughness defined his career, whereby, despite being sacked 405 times, he stayed productive. In 1988, Craig Morton was inducted into the Broncos’ Ring of Fame, solidifying his legacy.
How Many Super Bowls Did Craig Morton Play in?
Craig Morton made history by playing in two Super Bowls with different teams. He first led the Dallas Cowboys to Super Bowl V. Later, he guided the Denver Broncos to their very first Super Bowl appearance in Super Bowl XII.
Appearing in the two Super Bowls made him the first quarterback to start in the big game for more than one franchise. He is also the only NFL QB to do so in each team’s inaugural trip.
While these milestones defined his career, they came at a cost. Morton has said he was hit over 1,000 times, leaving lasting health challenges after his playing days.
Where is Craig Morton Now?
Former NFL quarterback Craig Morton now lives in Scottsdale, Arizona, where he has gone into business, though he also spends time in Mill Valley, California, with his wife, Kym.
Years of hard hits left him with serious back problems. As such, he has suffered recurring health issues, including sepsis, that have led to lengthy hospital stays.
These days, the ex-Broncos and Cowboys QB enjoys a quieter life. Interestingly, he’s following his alma mater, California and keeping up with the Denver Broncos from the comfort of his home.
Did Craig Morton Have Children?
Craig Morton has kept most of his personal life away from the spotlight. What is publicly known is that he has a daughter, McKenna Foppert, who lives in the Bay Area.
Beyond that, Morton has remained private about his family. In fact, few details about his children have been shared over the years.
While fans know plenty about his long career with the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos, his family life has largely stayed out of public view.
Who Are Behren Morton’s Parents?
Behren Morton’s parents are James and Suni Morton, both graduates of West Texas A&M University. He has two older sisters, McKayla and Maggie.
James Morton, Behren’s father, is a well-known figure in Texas high school football, having coached for 31 years at schools including Friona, Lubbock Monterey, Midland Lee, and Eastland High.
Born in Lubbock, James spent 11 years as head coach at Lubbock Monterey before moving to Midland Lee in 2009 and Eastland in 2016. A standout running back for West Texas A&M, he was inducted into the school’s Hall of Champions in 2009 and briefly played two seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
James coached Behren throughout his high school career at Eastland, helping shape him into the quarterback he is today.
Despite sharing the last name, Behren Morton is not related to NFL legend Craig Morton.
Also Read: All About the Only NFL Player Ever Who Won a Super Bowl Ring and an Olympic Gold Medal