Marlin Briscoe, NFL’s first black starting quarterback, dies aged 76 as tributes were paid

MARLIN BRISCOE, the first black quarterback of the NFL era, has sadly passed away at the age of 76.

Tributes were paid to the “pioneer” QB when the NFL announced his death on Monday.

4

4

He played in the NFL for nine years for the Denver Broncos, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, San Diego Chargers, Detroit Lions and New England Patriots.

Briscoe was a two-time Super Bowl champion with the Dolphins in 1973 and 1974.

He set a Denver rookie record with 14 touchdown passes in 1968 and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 1970 as a wide receiver.

An NFL statement on Twitter said: “We are saddened by the passing of legend Marlin Briscoe, who was the first black quarterback in the AFL.

“Marlin was a pioneer of the game and his legacy will live on forever.”

Denver Broncos added, “RIP to ‘The Magician.’

“Marlin Briscoe was a pioneer who broke barriers and made history as the first black quarterback of the Super Bowl era.

“Our deepest sympathy goes out to Marlin’s family, friends and former teammates.”

Briscoe grew up in Omaha, Nebraska near some of the busiest slaughterhouses in the world.

Speaking to DenverBroncos.com last year, he said, “It would make you make a decision about your life.

“I said, ‘There’s no other way in the world. I’ll get my education.’

“There’s no way I would work in the packhouse the rest of my life.”

He began his pro career at quarterback before moving on to wide receiver.

And he did so well in his new position with the Bills that he was called to the Pro Bowl in 1970.

4

4