As we continue this journey through time in the series of Football’s Trailblazers and Barrier Breakers, we find ourselves in the late 1960s with Quarterback Marlin Briscoe.
Marlin Briscoe, a name synonymous with resilience and groundbreaking achievement, forever altered the landscape of professional football. Known as “The Magician” for his dazzling skills on the field, Briscoe became the first Black starting quarterback in the modern era of the American Football League (AFL) when he took the helm for the Denver Broncos in 1968. His story is more than just about football. It’s about courage, perseverance, and a pioneering spirit that shattered racial barriers.
From Omaha to the Gridiron
Briscoe was born in Omaha, Nebraska, a city that shaped his competitive drive and dreams. Growing up in a segregated America, Briscoe found solace and purpose on the football field. He attended Omaha South High School, where his athletic prowess emerged, particularly as a quarterback—an unusual position for Black athletes at the time.
Briscoe’s journey continued at Omaha University (now the University of Nebraska at Omaha), where he excelled as a dual-threat quarterback. His exceptional performances showcased not just a strong arm but also the vision, leadership, and agility that would later redefine his role in professional football. Over his collegiate career, Briscoe threw for over 5,000 yards and scored 53 touchdowns, numbers that turned heads but were still overshadowed by systemic biases.
Breaking The Barrier
In 1968, Marlin Briscoe was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the 14th round of the AFL Draft—but as a defensive back, not a quarterback. At the time, prevailing racial prejudices pigeonholed Black players into positions deemed more “suitable” and denied them opportunities to play quarterback, a role seen as a cerebral, leadership-focused position.
Briscoe, however, was determined to prove he belonged under center. During training camp, he approached Broncos’ coaches and requested a tryout at quarterback, promising, “If I’m not good enough, then cut me.” The coaches reluctantly agreed, and Briscoe quickly made his mark, demonstrating his arm strength, accuracy, and instinctual playmaking ability.
His opportunity arrived unexpectedly in Week 5 of the 1968 season when the starting quarterback was injured. Marlin Briscoe stepped onto the field and made history. In his rookie season, he played 11 games and started five as quarterback, throwing for 1,589 yards, 14 touchdowns, and rushing for 308 yards. Briscoe’s electrifying dual-threat ability captivated fans and defied stereotypes. He set a Denver Broncos rookie record with 14 touchdown passes—a mark that stood for decades.
Overcoming Prejudice and Adversity
Despite his success, Briscoe’s time as a quarterback was short-lived. Racial biases within the league persisted, and the Broncos did not re-sign him as a signal-caller for the following season. Instead, Briscoe was traded and transitioned into a wide receiver role.
For many, this could have been the end of the road. But Marlin Briscoe was not an ordinary athlete. Reinventing himself as a wide receiver, Briscoe went on to have a stellar career. He joined the Buffalo Bills and later the Miami Dolphins, where he became a key contributor to the Dolphins’ legendary 1972 perfect season—still the only undefeated season in NFL history. Briscoe earned two Super Bowl rings with the Dolphins in 1972 and 1973, solidifying his place as an elite athlete.
Lasting Legacy
Marlin Briscoe’s trailblazing role as the first Black starting quarterback paved the way for generations of athletes who followed in his footsteps. Names like Doug Williams, who became the first Black quarterback to win a Super Bowl, and modern stars like Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson, owe a debt to Briscoe’s courage to challenge the status quo.
Briscoe’s story is more than an inspiring tale of athletic achievement—it’s a reminder of the barriers Black athletes faced and the determination required to break through. In recognition of his pioneering contributions, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2016. While the NFL was slow to recognize his groundbreaking achievements at quarterback, his legacy as a pioneer remains intact.
Marlin Briscoe passed away on June 27, 2022, at the age of 76, leaving behind a profound impact on the game of football. To this day, his resilience and bravery stand as a testament to what is possible when talent and determination collide with opportunity.
Marlin Briscoe’s journey is one of grit, adaptability, and triumph over systemic challenges. Whether it was launching spirals downfield as a quarterback or catching passes as a wide receiver, Briscoe’s imprint on the game of football endures. He was, and always will be, a symbol of progress—a man who not only changed the way football was played but also how it was perceived.
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