Marlin Briscoe

Marlin Oliver Briscoe (September 10, 1945 – June 27, 2022) played quarterback and wide receiver in the AFL and NFL over nine professional seasons. Known as "the Magician," Briscoe grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, and played college football at Omaha University from 1963 to 1967. Selected by the Denver Broncos, he became the first black starting quarterback in professional football in October 1968, throwing 14 touchdown passes as a rookie — a Broncos franchise record that stood until 2024. He was born in Oakland, California, and attended Omaha South High School, where he played running back on a state championship team.