Marlin Oliver Briscoe
(September 10, 1945 – June 27, 2022)
Marlin Oliver Briscoe, affectionately known as “the Magician,” left an indelible mark on American professional football during his illustrious career as a quarterback and wide receiver in both the American Football League (AFL) and the National Football League (NFL). He became the first black starting quarterback in professional football and established a Denver rookie record of 14 touchdown passes that season. He played professionally for nine years. Here is a comprehensive biography with a synopsis of his remarkable life:
Early Life: Marlin Oliver Briscoe was born on September 10, 1945, in Oakland, California. His life took a pivotal turn when his parents divorced, leading him and his mother to relocate to Omaha, Nebraska when he was just five years old. It was in Omaha that he began to shape his destiny. Briscoe attended Omaha South High School, where he showcased his exceptional athletic abilities by excelling in several sports. Notably, he played a pivotal role as a running back for the school’s football team, which clinched the state championship, setting the stage for his future in the world of sports.
College Career: After graduating from high school, Briscoe pursued his passion for football and embarked on a college football career at Omaha University. It’s worth noting that his alma mater later changed its name to the University of Nebraska at Omaha the year after his graduation. Briscoe’s college journey was nothing short of extraordinary. Playing in the quarterback position, he led his team to an impressive 27-11 record and secured three conference titles. His legacy at the university was marked by setting an impressive 22 school records, including completion percentage (55%), passing yards (4,935), touchdown passes (52), and total offensive yards (6,253). In recognition of his exceptional contributions, Marlin Oliver Briscoe was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2016.
Professional Career: Standing at 5 feet 10 inches and weighing 177 pounds, Marlin Briscoe embarked on his professional football journey when the AFL’s Denver Broncos drafted him in the fourteenth round of the 1968 draft at the age of 22. While the Broncos initially had plans to convert him into a cornerback, Briscoe negotiated for an opportunity to compete for the quarterback position. His moment of glory arrived on September 29, 1968, when the Broncos’ starting quarterback, Steve Tensi, suffered a broken collarbone. Head coach Lou Saban summoned Briscoe from the sidelines in the fourth quarter of a game against the Boston Patriots. In his first play, he completed a 22-yard pass, and on his second series, he orchestrated an 80-yard touchdown drive, showcasing his exceptional talent. A week later, on October 6, 1968, Marlin Briscoe became the first starting African-American quarterback in the AFL, marking a historic milestone in the world of professional football. He went on to throw 14 touchdown passes that year in just five starts, including four in a single game against Buffalo, setting rookie records for the Broncos.
Before the 1969 season commenced, Briscoe’s determination to continue playing as a quarterback led to a pivotal decision. He discovered that head coach Saban intended to utilize another quarterback, Pete Liske, as the starter. In response, Briscoe asked to be released and eventually joined the AFL’s Buffalo Bills. There, he transitioned into a receiver role, given the presence of accomplished quarterbacks like Jack Kemp, Tom Flores, and James Harris, the latter being another African-American quarterback with a more prototypical frame.
Marlin Briscoe’s tenure with the Buffalo Bills was marked by leading the team in touchdown catches for three seasons and securing the role of a receiver. In 1970, he ranked among the top two in receptions and receiving yards, earning All-Pro recognition. Following the AFL-NFL merger, Briscoe continued his professional career in the NFL from 1970 through 1976, primarily with American Football Conference teams. In a significant trade, the Bills exchanged Briscoe for a first-round draft pick, ultimately used to select Joe Delamielleure, who would go on to become a Hall of Fame guard. Briscoe’s journey led him to win two Super Bowls, most notably leading the undefeated 1972 Miami Dolphins team with four touchdown receptions and being the leading receiver for the Dolphins in 1973.
Briscoe made several stops in the NFL, playing for the San Diego Chargers and Detroit Lions before concluding his career with the New England Patriots in 1976. His contributions were substantial, and he even caught a touchdown pass in a game that handed the Oakland Raiders their sole loss that season. Notably, he holds the unique distinction of being intercepted by a Patriots player as a rookie and later catching a touchdown as a Patriot receiver.
Retirement and Legacy: Upon retiring from professional sports, Marlin Briscoe transitioned to Los Angeles, where he established a successful career as a financial broker specializing in municipal bonds. His life took a challenging turn when he battled addiction to cocaine, but he eventually made a remarkable recovery after undergoing extensive rehabilitation.
In the 21st century, Marlin Briscoe dedicated himself to a life of service, serving as the director of the Boys and Girls Club in Long Beach, California, before eventually retiring. He also founded a football camp for children, leaving a lasting impact on future generations.
A biographical film titled “The Magician,” inspired by Marlin Briscoe’s life, has been in development for several years. Canadian actor Lyriq Bent has been approached to portray Briscoe in the film. In 2016, the University of Nebraska Omaha, Briscoe’s alma mater, paid tribute to his legacy by unveiling a statue in his honor, ensuring that his contributions to the world of football and beyond are remembered and celebrated.
Personal Life: Marlin Briscoe’s personal life was marked by three marriages, all of which ended in divorce. He was the proud father of two children, Angela and Rebecca.
On June 27, 2022, Marlin Oliver Briscoe passed away at the age of 76 in a hospital in Norwalk, California, leaving behind a remarkable legacy and a lasting impact on the world of professional football and the communities he served.