Marlin Briscoe was the first black starting quarterback in the American Football League when he started a game for the Denver Broncos in 1968.
- Died: Monday, June 27, 2022 (Who else died on June 27?)
- Details of death: Died from pneumonia at the age of 76.
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First black starting quarterback in the AFL
Marlin Briscoe was a star quarterback at the University of Nebraska-Omaha and was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the 14th round of the 1968 draft. The Broncos intended to have Briscoe play cornerback, but he told the team he would go home if he couldn’t try out for quarterback. After Broncos starter Steve Tensi was injured, Briscoe started at quarterback in a game on October 6, 1968. Nicknamed “The Magician,” he started 5 games that season, throwing 14 touchdowns. The Broncos told him he would not be considered for quarterback next season, so he asked to be released. The Buffalo Bills signed him and converted him to wide receiver, and he made the Pro Bowl that season. He won two Super Bowls as a receiver with the Miami Dolphins and was their leading receiver in 1973. He played a few more seasons with various AFC teams, retiring after he played with the Patriots in 1976.
Tributes to Marlin Briscoe
Full Obituary: Miami Herald
