What's happened
Two former NFL quarterbacks and tight ends have died: Charley Young, a Pro Bowl tight end who helped the Eagles and 49ers win Super Bowls in the 1980s, and Craig Morton, a four-time Super Bowl participant who starred for the Cowboys and Broncos. Morton's passing comes after revelations about his role as a back-up in key games; Young's career included a standout 1972 USC season and key playoff moments during the 1980-81 Niners run.
What's behind the headline?
analysis
- The stories show a generational look at players who were pivotal in shaping the late 20th-century NFL, with Young contributing to the Eagles and later the 49ers’ dynasty and Morton underscoring Denver’s early Super Bowl era.
- The obituaries tie into the broader narrative of the NFL’s evolving passing game, where four names mentioned define eras of offense and team-building that also reflect the league’s expansion and popularity.
- The coverage emphasizes career highlights and post-career recognition, offering readers a concise record of each player’s contributions and longevity.
- Readers should note the timing of the losses within days of each other, underscoring the sport’s aging generation and the ongoing reflection on its history.
How we got here
Young, a USC standout, joined the Eagles in 1973 and became a Pro Bowler; he later joined the 49ers, contributing to their early dynasty. Morton, a Cal alumnus, was drafted in 1965 and started for the Cowboys in Super Bowl V and later played for the Broncos, earning Comeback Player of the Year in 1977. Both players have been celebrated for their contributions to their teams and the sport.
Our analysis
AP News reporting on Charley Young and Craig Morton; New York Post coverage referencing the same figures and their playoff moments; both outlets situate the players within the broader NFL timeline.
Go deeper
- What were Charley Young’s top moments in the 1981-82 playoffs?
- How did Craig Morton’s time with the Cowboys influence the franchise’s Super Bowl years?
More on these topics
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Craig Morton - American football quarterback
Larry Craig Morton is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League for 18 seasons, primarily with the Dallas Cowboys and Denver Broncos.
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Denver Broncos - American football franchise
The Denver Broncos are a professional American football franchise based in Denver. The Broncos compete in the National Football League as a member club of the league's American Football Conference West division.
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Dallas Cowboys - American football team
The Dallas Cowboys are a professional American football team based in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. The Cowboys compete in the National Football League as a member club of the league's National Football Conference East division.
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San Francisco 49ers - American football team
The San Francisco 49ers are a professional American football team based in the San Francisco Bay Area. They compete in the National Football League as a member of the league's National Football Conference West division.