Marlin Briscoe, first Black starting quarterback in AFL, dies at 76

[Woodman]

https://www.nfl.com/news/marlin-bris...terback-in-afl

Marlin Briscoe, who became the first Black starting quarterback in the American Football League more than 50 years ago, died Monday.

His daughter, Angela Marriott, told The Associated Press that Briscoe, 76, died of pneumonia at a hospital in Norwalk, California. He had been hospitalized with circulation issues in his legs.

Briscoe, an Omaha, Nebraska, native, was a star quarterback at Omaha University before the Denver Broncos drafted him as a cornerback in the 14th round in 1968. Briscoe told the team he'd return home to become a teacher if he couldn't get a tryout at quarterback. Denver agreed to an audition, and the 5-foot-10 dynamo nicknamed "The Magician" made the starting lineup on October 6.

Briscoe started five games that season. He was runner-up for AFL rookie of the year after passing for 1,589 yards and 14 touchdowns and rushing for 308 yards and three scores.

[Woodman]

He became a Pro Bowl receiver with the Buffalo Bills and won two Super Bowls with the Miami Dolphins. He was a receiver on the 1972 Dolphins team that finished with a perfect season.

He was fun to watch may he RIP.

[Woodman]

https://www.buffalobills.com/news/bi...e-passes-at-76

Briscoe led the Bills in touchdown catches each of the next three years and twice led the club in receptions. His best professional season came in a Bills uniform in 1970 when he had 57 receptions for 1,036 yards to average better than 18 yards per catch and eight touchdowns. He was named All-Pro that year.

In 1971, Briscoe was traded to the Miami Dolphins for a first-round pick that became Hall of Fame guard Joe DeLamielleure.

[Night Train]

He was our star on bad teams. I can still see him catching a TD right in front of my endzone seat against KC, 52 years ago.. Naturally, KC won 29-7. A unique story. Great guy. Deserved better and would have been a star in this day and age.

RIP, Marlin the Magician.

[swiper]

Played for Buffalo, Miami and New England.

Career went 1968 - 1976.

He left Buffalo just before my time as a Bills fan. I was 5.

Remember reading stories of him in Denver. My father was always a fan. He played on that terrible, one win, Harvey Johnson team in 1971.

[notacon]

I remember Mr. Briscoe well.

He was an exciting player.

May he rest in peace.

[Woodman]

He was our star on bad teams. I can still see him catching a TD right in front of my endzone seat against KC, 52 years ago.. Naturally, KC won 29-7. A unique story. Great guy. Deserved better and would have been a star in this day and age.

RIP, Marlin the Magician.

Rockpile days!