Marlin Briscoe: The first black quarterback to start in the Super Bowl era dies at 76 | NFL News
Marlin Briscoe, who was selected as a fullback by the Denver Broncos in 1968, won two Super Bowls with the Miami Dolphins, playing at the receiver during the perfect 1972 season.
Last updated: 06/28/22 9:14 am
Marlin Briscoe is the first black starting quarterback of the Super Bowl era
Marlin Briscoe, who became the first black quarterback to start in the American Football League more than 50 years ago, died at the age of 76 on Monday.
His daughter, Angela Marriott, told Related press that Briscoe died of pneumonia at a hospital in Norwalk, California.
Briscoe, a star quarterback for the University of Omaha, was brought up by the Broncos as a full-back in the 14th round in 1968 before telling the team he would return home as a teacher if he wasn’t allowed to try in the position. midfielder position.
He was given the opportunity and went on to make his first appearance for the Denver Broncos on October 6, 1968, a 10-7 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals.
Nicknamed “The Magician”, he started five games under the center that season, surging 1,589 yards and 14 touchdowns and dashing for 308 yards and 3 points as Asia Army for AFL Rookie of the Year.
He didn’t get a chance to compete for quarterback the next season and so asked to make his debut, later becoming an extensive recipient of the Pro Bowl with the Buffalo Bills as well as winning two. Super Bowl with the Miami Dolphins.
Briscoe, who retired with 224 touchdowns at 3,537 yards and 30 touchdowns with six teams, was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2016.
Warren Moon, the first black quarterback to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, hailed Briscoe as the inspiration for his own landmark career.
“Today is a sad day for me,” Moon said. “One of my Idols growing up, Marlin Briscoe, passed away. He was one of the few black QBs of the late 60s that gave me inspiration that one day I could play QB professionally. Marlin was the first black QB to start in the AFL.
“Started 5 games in his rookie year and was runner-up in the rookie of the year in 1968. We became very close friends during my career and we worked at several QB clinics. together. He will be missed! My thoughts and prayers go to Marlin and his family. RIP Marlin.”
