Marlin Briscoe, former NFL wide receiver and the first black starting quarterback in the American Football League (AFL), died on Monday at the age of 76.
According to Briscoe’s daughter, Angela Marriott, he passed away at a hospital in Norwalk, California, due to complications resulting from pneumonia. He had been hospitalized with circulation issues in his legs.
A standout at quarterback at his hometown University of Nebraska Omaha, Briscoe was drafted by the Denver Broncos 14th round of the 1968 AFL Draft. Though the Broncos intended to use him as a cornerback, Briscoe’s energetic style of play earned him the starting quarterback position, as well as the nickname “The Magician.