Back to the New England Patriots Newsfeed

Former Patriot, First Black QB To Start AFL Game, Marlin Briscoe Passes Away

Former American Football League quarterback and wide receiver Marlin Briscoe passed away on Monday. He was 76 years old.

According to a report from the Associated Press, Briscoe’s daughter confirmed his death from pneumonia at a hospital in Norwalk, California.

An Omaha, Nebraska native and star quarterback at Omaha University, Briscoe was drafted as a cornerback by the Denver Broncos in the 14th round of the 1968 AFL Draft. However, he informed the team he would return home if he couldn’t have a tryout to play quarterback.

The Broncos agreed, and Briscoe wound up starting five games for the team under center.