Marlin Briscoe, Black quarterback pioneer, dead at 76

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

Angela Marriott told the Associated Press that Briscoe was hospitalized in Norwalk, California with circulation issues in his legs.

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

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

In late September of that year, Briscoe nearly rallied the Broncos to a victory as a backup against the Boston Patriots. He was given his first start a week later.

"He’s made an immense contribution to the sport," Marriott said. "I hope that he continues to get recognized for the contributions that he made. He was so proud of that achievement."

Briscoe did not get a chance to compete for the quarterback job in 1969. He asked to be released.

Booker Edgerson, a cornerback for the Buffalo Bills in the AFL, believes Briscoe could have been a star if it were not for racism. Edgerson recalled Briscoe telling him he did not feel the Broncos were ready to commit to a Black quarterback.

FILE - Buffalo Bills wide receiver Marlin Briscoe takes a forward pass from quarterback Dennis Shaw during an NFL football game in Baltimore, on Nov. 15, 1970. (AP Photo/William A. Smith, File)

ELI MANNING