Marlin Briscoe

[Coyote]

For those of you who watch ESPN - you may have been seeing the new Nike campaign ad about a football team from Marlin Briscoe High School. Nike: Marlin Briscoe High School It centers around a young man Ryon Williams on a team that includes Mike Vick, LaDainian Tomlinson, Brian Urlacher, and rookie Matt Leinart, Coach Don Shula and assistant coach Urban Meyer, History teacher Jimmy Johnson, paperboy Steve Young and parents Jill Arrington and Deion Sanders.

There finally is a revealing article about it: HYDE: It's time Briscoe got his due

Here's the funny part: Most people watching the commercial miss the point... They don't ask if his story is real....

Briscoe pulled himself up, day by day, until he now has a nice job, nice home and now even a commercial. There's no mention of his pioneering ways. He doesn't play himself like Shula and Meyer. He plays a coach who says, "Catch the ball, son!"

As for those who asked, no, Marlin Briscoe High School doesn't exist. But there's a good history lesson in seeing how, at 61, long after he thought no one cared, his career gets a happy ending.

Briscoe played football at South High and at the University of Omaha and is known as the first modern era NFL Black Quarterback. West Omaha Films is producing "Third and Long" about his life: Third and Long

[Coyote]

And Jillian Barberie plays the cheerleading squad captain (the hot blonde in the high school hallway)

and Lee Corso plays the school mascot.

[Omaha Cowboy]

I've got a copy of the Marlin Briscoe book entitled 'The First Black Quarterback'..A great read on the life of Marlin Briscoe..Who grew up in South Omaha, and became the first starting QB in the history of the NFL:

http://www.esportsinstruction.com/Briscoe.html

..Ciao..LiO....Peace

[OPlaya]

It's always good when a brotha like Marlin Briscoe get's his props. I love those commercials especially seeing Deion and Jill acting like they are actual parents to the kid haha.

[Coyote]

Trailblazing Briscoe Back in Town
UNO's NFL Great Pays A Visit

Briscoe is in town this week signing his new book, Third and a Mile, an appropriate title considering the yard markers facing African Americans in professional sports.  In 1968, former University of Omaha standout Marlin Briscoe was drafted in the 14th round by the Denver Broncos as a defensive back. He eventually became the first starting black quarterback in professional football.

[Coyote]

40 Years Later -- Marlin Briscoe anniversary receives little fanfare

It was 40 years ago yesterday that Broncos QB Marlin Briscoe broke the huddle against the Cincinnati Bengals becoming the first black quarterback to start a National Football League game.  Not much in the way of fanfare.  I mean, did anyone hear anything about it? To be fair, ESPN.com did have something in it's NFL Blog about the anniversary --

"It's come a long way," Briscoe said from his home in Long Beach, Calif. "They thought a black man could not think, throw and lead at that level."

Now the United States could be on the verge of electing its first black president.

Willie Thrower was the first black quarterback to get into an NFL game in 1953, but stereotypes and small-mindedness prevented coaches from providing a real opportunity until Lou Saban, partially out of desperation, handed the job to Briscoe.

John Wooten recalled the feeling of anticipation upon learning Briscoe would make the historic start. Wooten, a star guard for the Cleveland Browns, was playing the last season of his 10-year career with the Washington Redskins in 1968.

"To see him get an opportunity was exhilarating to us," said Wooten, chairman of the Fritz Pollard Alliance, an organization that promotes racial diversity in NFL front offices. "You know that so much is riding on what he does. If he falls flat on his face, no one else might ever get this opportunity again.

"That nervousness, I liken it to being in a championship game that means so much to your organization and your teammates. But this, of course, meant so much to us as a race, as a people. There was pressure, but we were glad to be in the game."

Briscoe was 5-foot-10 and 177 pounds when the Broncos took a 14th-round flyer on him in the 1968 AFL draft. Marlin the Magician thrived at the University of Nebraska-Omaha but was eighth on the Broncos' QB depth chart in training camp. If he was to make the team, he would need to play defensive back or maybe receiver.

But starter Steve Tensi suffered a broken collarbone, and backup Joe DiVito was spotty. Saban eventually summoned Briscoe from the sidelines in the fourth quarter against the Boston Patriots on Sept. 29. Briscoe's first play was a 22-yard completion. On his second series he orchestrated an 80-yard touchdown drive. He completed a 21-yard pass and ran for 38 more himself, carrying it the last 12 yards for the score.

An account of Briscoe's relief appearance in the Broncos' Oct. 6 program said he "ignited both the Broncos and Bronco fans here last Sunday with a flashy fourth-period performance that had the Boston Patriots on the ropes when time ran out."

Briscoe threw 14 touchdown passes that year, still Denver's rookie record. He completed only 41.5 percent of his passes, but his 17.1-yard average led the AFL. He also ran for 308 yards and three touchdowns.

[Coyote]

Report: Former UNO quarterback Marlin Briscoe to be inducted to College Football Hall of Fame

[omaha79]

I think it's beyond time for UNO to honor Marlin Briscoe in statue form in front of either Baxter Arena or Caniglia Field (either would work since he played both football and basketball at UNO). I've suggested as much to Trev Alberts directly.

Briscoe is easily the most important single athlete in UNO history considering his accomplishments transcend simple athletic achivement.

I know there is a sense of not wanting to open old wounds with football and wrestling, but this needs to happen. It's a story that students at UNO need to know about, and need to be proud of.

[cp jay 07]

Better luck of CU playing the Mavs then Trev honoring the two winning programs he killed.

[Coyote]

Trev Alberts was just on 590 and they asked him about honoring Briscoe. He said this was something beyond what his office should handle, and they are putting together a committee of city wide people to come up with ideas on what they could do, even if it might be something larger than just UNO's project. It sounds like something will be done sometime soon.

[omaha79]

This is what he's insinuated to me as well in the couple of emails I've exchanged with him.

Something needs to be done on UNO's campus to recognize him. I like the idea of getting the community involved to discuss.

One idea I think makes sense is to retire #27 for any athletic events played at Caniglia Field...if not campus wide. Or, make it a special honor that's voted on by each team as to who gets to wear #27 that year.

Something like that, in addition to a statue or other recognition on campus, would be really cool.

[MadMartin8]

He said this was something beyond what his office should handle, and they are putting together a committee of city wide people to come up with ideas on what they could do, even if it might be something larger than just UNO's project.

Putting a statue or something commemorating Briscoe on one of the athletic facilities is beyond the scope of the Athletic Director's office?

Hm.

[omaha79]

He said this was something beyond what his office should handle, and they are putting together a committee of city wide people to come up with ideas on what they could do, even if it might be something larger than just UNO's project.

Putting a statue or something commemorating Briscoe on one of the athletic facilities is beyond the scope of the Athletic Director's office?

Hm.

The indication that I received is that it's being seen not just as an athletic department opportunity but as more of an institutional opportunity that bleeds over even into a community opportunity. I think this makes sense. Trev is simply indicating that he doesn't think he's equipped to move forward with this on an island without engaging the the academic leaders and historians at UNO, UNO alumni, Omaha business leaders who may be called upon to help with donations, South High School, and members of groups like the Omaha Sports Hall of Fame and Nebraska Black Sports Hall of Fame where he is already enshrined.

I would say that creating a panel to examine this made up with members of groups such as these would be extremely important in making sure this is handled correctly and done right the first time...and that everyone who has a stake in it gets their voices heard.

If I had a say, this is what I'd like to see...

1. A statue on UNO's campus either at Caniglia Field or in front of Baxter Arena
2. The #27 retired for all athletic events at Caniglia Field...if not campus wide. Or, make #27 something ceremonial that is given only to an athlete voted on by each team that is a great representative of UNO.
3. Create scholarship opportunities in his name.

Something like this would certainly be well deserved. It would help build more traditions at UNO, and recognize the most important athlete in school history.

I would love to be involved in this...in any capacity.

[omaha79]

Interesting article in the OWH about how the career of Marlin Briscoe almost ended early due to injuries...

http://www.omaha.com/uno/hall-of-famer- ... d59ec.html

[omaha79]

Just a few thoughts on Marlin Briscoe and how UNO could honor him going forward...

https://maverickfiteblog.wordpress.com/ ... n-briscoe/

[Coyote]

I just spoke with Trev Alberts, and while he couldn't say much, he did say there will be an event at Baxter on Sept 22, and that there will be something tied in with a South High football game. I'm trying to remember the names he said were on the committee, one was Gayle Sayers...

[iamjacobm]

http://www.omaha.com/go/film-about-hall ... 8c0ed.html

The long-in-production Marlin Briscoe film has cast its star.

Canadian actor Lyriq Bent will play Briscoe in “The Magician,” the story of the Omahan who in 1968 became the first black starting quarterback in modern pro football history.

The screenplay for “The Magician” was penned by Gregory Allen Howard (“Remember the Titans,” “Ali”) and produced by West Omaha Films’ Terry Hanna, David B. Clark and John Beasley, and Falconer Productions’ Doug Falconer. The film is still looking for a director, but it is slated to start shooting this year in Canada.

[omaha79]

and Marlin Briscoe is getting his statue at UNO. This is wonderful news...

http://www.omavs.com/ViewArticle.dbml?D ... =210898998

[Linkin5]

and Marlin Briscoe is getting his statue at UNO. This is wonderful news...

http://www.omavs.com/ViewArticle.dbml?D ... =210898998

About time!

[Coyote]

Marlin Briscoe, the first Black starting quarterback in the NFL, dies

Marlin Briscoe, who became the first Black starting quarterback in the then-American Football League more than 50 years ago, died Monday. His daughter, Angela Marriott, told the Associated Press that Briscoe, 76, died of pneumonia at a hospital in Norwalk, California. He had been hospitalized with circulation issues in his legs.

The Omaha native was a star quarterback at Omaha University before the Denver Broncos drafted him as a cornerback in the 14th round in 1968. Briscoe told the team he’d return home to become a teacher if he couldn’t get a tryout at quarterback. Denver agreed to an audition, and the 5-foot-10 dynamo nicknamed “The Magician” made the starting lineup on October 6.


Marlin Briscoe greets visitors during a signing event for The World-Herald's "24th and Glory" book on Sunday in Omaha.

[Coyote]

Former Omaha U Quarterback Marlin Briscoe Dies at 76

Former Omaha quarterback Marlin Briscoe has died of pneumonia, announced his daughter Monday afternoon. He was 76. Briscoe, an Omaha native who starred at South High School, set nearly two dozen school records while playing for Omaha U (which became UNO in 1968). Drafted 14th overall by the Denver Broncos, he was initially used as a defensive back, but a series of injuries to the team's quarterbacks gave him an opportunity to switch positions. Briscoe made the most of it and stepped in to become the first black starting quarterback in pro football history during his 1968 rookie season. Briscoe played for Omaha U in 1963-67 helping the team to a 27-11 overall record during his tenure. Briscoe led Omaha to three conference championships and set 22 records, including 52 touchdown passes, 4,935 yards passing, a 55 percent completion record and a career total offense record of 6.253.

[omaha79]

Been away from the forums for a bit, but this one was a gut punch.

[Coyote]

Black history profiles: Marlin Briscoe

Long before there was “Mahomes Magic," there was the magician. His name was Marlin Briscoe and he changed the game of football. Born in South Omaha in the mid-1940s, Briscoe lived and breathed the sport. He played through high school at Omaha South, and at Omaha University, which is now the University of Nebraska-Omaha. “He had the intellect. He had the ability bar none,” Roger Sayers, Briscoe’s friend and mentor said.

'He had the intellect, he had the ability bar none': Honoring Omaha's Marlin Briscoe & his impact on football

Long before there was “Mahomes Magic," there was the magician. His name was Marlin Briscoe and he changed the game of football. Born in South Omaha in the mid-1940s, Briscoe lived and breathed the sport. He played through high school at Omaha South, and at Omaha University, which is now the University of Nebraska-Omaha.

Briscoe passed away, at the age of 76 in June 2022 — eight months before two black quarterbacks would take their team to a Super Bowl.