Marlin Briscoe, a quarterback pioneer and member of the Miami Dolphins‘ undefeated 1972 staff, died of pneumonia on Monday on the age of 76. Briscoe’s daughter, Angela Marriott, knowledgeable the Related Press of his loss of life. 

Nicknamed “The Magician,” Briscoe was the primary American skilled soccer beginning Black quarterback after being chosen by the American Soccer League’s Denver Broncos in 1968. He began 5 video games that season whereas ending because the runner-up for AFL Rookie of the Yr. Briscoe’s finest efficiency got here towards the Payments, as he threw for 335 yards and 4 touchdowns in his second begin. 

“We’re heartbroken to study the passing of former Broncos QB Marlin Briscoe,” the Broncos mentioned in an announcement. “Marlin was a pioneer who shattered limitations, making historical past as the primary Black beginning quarterback within the Tremendous Bowl period. He paved the best way for numerous others and created an indelible legacy, together with by means of our Marlin Briscoe Variety Teaching Fellowship. Our deepest sympathies exit to Marlin’s household, buddies and former teammates.”

Briscoe requested for his launch the next season after he wasn’t given an opportunity to compete to be the Broncos’ beginning quarterback. He rapidly caught on with the Payments, the place in 1970 he earned Professional Bowl honors as a receiver after catching 57 passes for 1,036 yards and eight touchdowns in 14 video games. Briscoe’s finest sport that season got here towards the Dolphins, as he caught seven passes for 145 yards and two touchdowns in Buffalo’s Week 5 loss to the eventual AFC champions. 

His efficiency towards Miami clearly caught the eye of Dolphins coach Don Shula, who traded for Briscoe earlier than the beginning of the 1972 season. Taking part in alongside Corridor of Fame wideout Paul Warfield, Briscoe led the Dolphins in landing catches through the common season whereas serving to Miami full an ideal season. In 1973, Briscoe led the Dolphins in receptions as Miami gained back-to-back titles. He caught two passes in Miami’s 24-7 win over Washington in Tremendous Bowl VIII. 

Briscoe, who later hung out with the Lions, Chargers and Patriots, caught 30 landing passes over his profession whereas averaging 15.8 yards per catch. He averaged 6.9 yards per carry for his profession along with his 14 landing passes throughout his rookie season in Denver, his solely season as a quarterback in professional soccer. 

“I wasn’t bitter,” Briscoe mentioned in a 2015 interview with Sports activities Illustrated when requested about altering positions. “Bitter individuals give up. I used to be disillusioned; if I used to be bitter, I would not have rolled up my sleeves and discovered one other place. I grew up within the ’50s and ’60s, when Black individuals had a troublesome highway it doesn’t matter what profession they pursued. We anticipated to must undergo closed doorways. We knew we would not get a good shake.”

A 2016 Faculty Soccer Corridor of Fame inductee, Briscoe led Nebraska-Omaha to a few convention titles whereas setting over 20 faculty information. The college unveiled a statue in his honor shortly following his Corridor of Fame induction.