Marlin Briscoe was the American Football League’s first Black starting quarterback more than 50 years ago who died on Monday, June 27, 2022.

Briscoe, from Omaha, Nebraska, was a standout quarterback at Omaha University before being picked as a cornerback in the 14th round by the Denver Broncos in 1968.

Briscoe informed the squad that if he didn’t receive a tryout as quarterback he’d return home to become a teacher. Denver consented to an audition, and the 5-foot-10 dynamo known as “The Magician” was named to the starting lineup on October 6.

Marlin Briscoe cause of death: What happened to Marlin Briscoe

According to his daughter, Angela Marriott, Briscoe died of pneumonia in a hospital in Norwalk, California.

He was been brought to the hospital because of leg circulation issues.

Briscoe made five starts that season. He finished second in the AFL rookie of the year voting after throwing for 1,589 yards and 14 touchdowns and running for 308 yards and three scores.

In 2016, Briscoe was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.\

He was 76.

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