Denver Broncos: Team takes great approach to honor Marlin Briscoe

Marlin Briscoe recalls racism he faced as the first starting black quarterback in professional American football during the Black Bodies in Leadership: Journey of the Black Quarterback panel at the Phoenix Art Museum on Feb. 20, 2020.Black Quarterbacks Panel
Marlin Briscoe recalls racism he faced as the first starting black quarterback in professional American football during the Black Bodies in Leadership: Journey of the Black Quarterback panel at the Phoenix Art Museum on Feb. 20, 2020.Black Quarterbacks Panel

For many fans of the Denver Broncos, Marlin Briscoe is a name that is not all that familiar.

That’s unfortunate, but the team recently took a step in the right direction toward properly honoring, remembering and perhaps bringing needed attention to his name.

The team announced that it will name its season-long coaching diversity program after him. It will now be officially known as The Marlin Briscoe Diversity Coaching Fellowship.

So who is Marlin Briscoe?

In 1968, when the Broncos were still part of the AFL, the team had to turn to Briscoe as its starting quarterback due to injuries at the position.

This was a historic moment for a couple of reasons, starting with the fact that at that time, having a Black quarterback was considered impractical (to put it nicely), because the position was considered to be too much of a thinking position.

As a result, Briscoe became the first Black starting quarterback in the Super Bowl era. And he played well too.

During that 1968 season, his only in Denver, he threw for over 1,500 yards and 14 touchdown passes in relief. He also rushed for over 300 yards and three more scores.

Following that season, Briscoe asked to be released when it was realized the Broncos intended to use Pete Liske as their starting quarterback. Briscoe then signed with the Buffalo Bills, who had him play wide receiver.

Briscoe never played quarterback again but he still made professional football history and he did so in Denver. Because this occurred over 50 years ago, it’s easily forgotten, but it shouldn’t be.

The gesture made by the organization is a great one and will help bring attention to Briscoe’s historical name.

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