Trailblazing AFL and NFL player Marlin Briscoe died at the age of 76 Monday following a bout with pneumonia, according to a report from the Associated Press.
Briscoe, a star college quarterback who was originally drafted by the Broncos to play cornerback, made history as a rookie in 1968 by becoming the American Football League’s first Black starting QB; he started five games that season and finished as a runner-up in AFL Rookie of the Year voting. After transitioning to wide receiver the following year, Briscoe eventually became a Pro Bowler with the Bills in 1970, and a Super Bowl champion with the Dolphins during the undefeated ’72 season and again in ’74.
News of the 10-year pro’s passing sparked a wave of tributes across social media as fans, organizations and various sports figures offered their condolences:
