Until 1968, no professional football organization bestowed the courage to fight the controversy that came with starting a black quarterback. Injuries and a lack of depth at the quarterback position forced Denver Broncos head coach Lou Saban to reluctantly end that drought.
Marlin Briscoe Makes History
The Broncos desperately turned to rookie quarterback Marlin Briscoe in the 4th quarter against the New England Patriots. Briscoe’s ability to ignite an 80-yard scoring drive in limited time earned him the starting spot for the following week. By the end of the season, the Nebraska native had shattered virtually every single Denver Broncos rookie passing record in just five starts.
Some of Briscoe’s passing records still stand today, while his passing yardage record was broken by Hall of Famer John Elway 15 years later. The University of Omaha product still holds the franchise record for rookie passing touchdowns in both a full season and in a single game. Briscoe’s 17.1 yards per completion in 1968 still cracks the top 20 best in pro football history. In his five starts, Briscoe also rushed for 308 yards with three touchdowns.
Conversion To Wide Receiver
Briscoe’s dynamic rookie season did all but cement his spot as the starter for the following season. Briscoe was cut in favor of CFL quarterback Pete Liske prior to training camp. Despite putting together record-breaking seasons in both college and the pros, teams appeared weary to take the “risk” of starting a black quarterback. Briscoe eventually signed with the Buffalo Bills, becoming one of the league’s top wide receivers in a five year span. After finishing second in receptions and receiving yards, Briscoe was named a Pro-Bowler and an All-Pro in 1970.
Key Piece of Dolphins History
After leading the Bills in receiving for three years, Briscoe joined the Miami Dolphins in 1972. Briscoe and Hall-of-Famer Paul Warfield formed a formidable wide receiver duo, paired with the teams dynamic run game. The former quarterback-turned-receiver earned a pair of Super Bowl rings with Miami in 1972 and 1973. Briscoe led the team in receiving touchdowns throughout the legendary 1972 perfect season. Briscoe later led the Dolphins in receptions throughout the 1973 season, when they accomplished the rare feat of winning consecutive championships.
Although Briscoe never threw a pass in professional football after his record-breaking 1968 season, the tide slowly began to shift. Just one year later, the Buffalo Bills drafted James Harris out of Grambling State. Harris later became the first black quarterback to make a Pro Bowl, and win a playoff game. As of 2021, there have been two black Super Bowl MVP’s, and four league MVP’s. While rare talents like Marlin Briscoe often get lost in history, they deserve to be recognized for their impact.