Marlin Briscoe, who became the first Black starting quarterback in the AFL with the Denver Broncos, died Monday at the age of 76.
The cause of death was pneumonia and he succumbed in a California hospital.
Briscoe played quarterback at Omaha University before the Broncos chose him in the 14th round in 1968. Denver selected him as a wide receiver. Briscoe told the Broncos he would rather return home to be a teacher if he wasn’t given a chance to be a quarterback.
He made five starts and passed for 1,589 yards and 14 touchdowns while adding 308 yards and three scores on the ground.
When Denver no longer would give him the opportunity to play quarterback Briscoe moved on to Buffalo.
He became a wide receiver and made 224 receptions for 3,537 yards and 30 touchdowns while playing for five other teams. Briscoe spent three seasons each with Miami and Buffalo.