Marlin Briscoe was an American football quarterback and wide receiver. In October 1968, after being drafted by the Denver Broncos of the America Football League, he became the first black starting quarterback in professional American football and established a Denver rookie record of 14 touchdown passes that season.
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Briscoe made stops with the San Diego Chargers, and Detroit Lions before ending his career in 1976 with the England Patriots.
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Image Credit: Getty Images
Is Marlin Briscoe in the NFL Hall of Fame?
In 2016, Briscoe was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. “He’s got the greatest arm I have ever seen on any quarterback- college or pro,” Saints scouts Dave Smith said in 1968.
What barrier did Marlin Briscoe break in the NFL?
Refused to allow one coach’s racism to end his professional football career. Rather, Briscoe reinvented himself by learning a new position. Refused to allow cocaine to dictate his life though it did for a while.
Rather, he overcame his addiction and now shares a message of hope with anyone who will listen.
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