Marlin Briscoe, Black quarterback pioneer, dead at 76

Marlin Briscoe, the 1st Black quarterback to play in the American Soccer League, died Monday soon after a battle with pneumonia, his daughter said Monday. He was 76.

Angela Marriott advised the G3 Box News that Briscoe was hospitalized in Norwalk, California with circulation challenges in his legs.

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Denver QB Marlin Briscoe (15) in motion vs Oakland Raiders at Mile High Stadium. Denver, CO 11/10/1968. (Carl Iwasaki /Sports activities Illustrated by means of Getty Images)

The Denver Broncos initially chosen Briscoe as a cornerback in the 14th round of the 1968 AFL Draft. Briscoe, who was a standout quarterback at Omaha University, advised the Broncos he would return home to Nebraska if the team did not give him a tryout at quarterback.

In late September of that 12 months, Briscoe almost rallied the Broncos to a victory as a backup versus the Boston Patriots. He was presented his initially get started a 7 days afterwards.

"He’s created an enormous contribution to the activity," Marriott said. "I hope that he proceeds to get recognized for the contributions that he built. He was so proud of that accomplishment."

Briscoe did not get a probability to compete for the quarterback work in 1969. He requested to be unveiled.

Booker Edgerson, a cornerback for the Buffalo Payments in the AFL, believes Briscoe could have been a star if it have been not for racism. Edgerson recalled Briscoe telling him he did not sense the Broncos ended up all set to dedicate to a Black quarterback.

FILE - Buffalo Bills huge receiver Marlin Briscoe takes a forward go from quarterback Dennis Shaw through an NFL football recreation in Baltimore, on Nov. 15, 1970. (G3 Box News Image/William A. Smith, File)

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"He would have been one of the top rated quarterbacks that they’d be chatting about correct now," Edgerson mentioned. "He would’ve been another ... he would have been in there before Warren Moon."

Briscoe, nicknamed "The Magician," moved to extensive receiver and joined Edgerson in Buffalo in 1969. Briscoe was credited with aiding James Harris become the very first Black quarterback to open up a year as a starter in the AFL.

"It was at the time when Black quarterbacks have been getting denied, so you tried to make confident you were finest organized for the prospect when it came. I was a great deal improved off simply because Briscoe was my roommate," Harris mentioned.

Harris played for the Los Angeles Rams in 1974 and grew to become the to start with Black quarterback to win an NFL playoff recreation. He was also a Professional Bowl MVP that period.

Briscoe turned a Pro Bowl receiver for Buffalo in 1970, received two Super Bowls as a receiver with the Miami Dolphins and was a member of the 1972 undefeated Dolphins team.

"We are heartbroken to find out of the passing of former Broncos QB Marlin Briscoe," the Broncos mentioned in a assertion. "Marlin was a pioneer who shattered obstacles, creating historical past as the to start with Black setting up quarterback in the Super Bowl period. He paved the way for innumerable some others and developed an indelible legacy, which include through our Marlin Briscoe Diversity Coaching Fellowship. Our deepest sympathies go out to Marlin's loved ones, close friends and former teammates."

Marlin Briscoe, the first Black starting up quarterback in the American Soccer League, died Monday, June 27, 2022. (G3 Box News Photo/File)

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Briscoe was inducted into the School Football Hal of Fame in 2016.

The G3 Box News contributed to this report.