Marlin Briscoe

Bio

Known as “The Magician” for his ability to create great plays out of impossible situations, Marlin Briscoe arguably ranks as the most famous and well-remembered player in the University of Nebraska Omaha’s history, and he becomes the first Maverick to enter the College Football Hall of Fame. An NAIA First Team All-American his senior year, the Omaha, Neb., native set 22 school records as the starting quarterback for the Mavericks from 1964-67, when the school was still named Omaha University. Briscoe was a three-time All-Central Intercollegiate Conference selection, and he led the Mavericks to CIC title in 1967. He enjoyed the finest season of his career in 1967, throwing for 2,283 yards and a single-season school-record 25 touchdowns. At UNO, Briscoe ranks second all-time with 53 touchdown passes, third all-time with 5,114 passing yards and fourth in total offense with 6,505 yards. Briscoe was drafted in the 14th round of the 1968 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos, playing one season with the franchise and setting a rookie record with 14 touchdown passes. The first starting black quarterback in the NFL’s modern era, he would also play for the Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, San Diego Chargers, Detroit Lions and New England Patriots during his nine-year career. The 1970 All-Pro selection was a member of the 1972 undefeated Miami Dolphins team and won two Super Bowls (VII, VIII) with the franchise as a wide receiver. After football, Briscoe ran various youth football camps and established the Marlin Briscoe Scholarship Fund at UNO. He has received the keys to the cities of Los Angeles and Bellevue, Neb., and he is a former director of a Boys and Girls Club. He was among the inaugural inductees into the UNO Athletics Hall of Fame in 1975.

Career Highlights

• 1967 All-Conference
• 1967 First Team - All-America (NAIA)
• 1966 All-Conference
• 1965 All-Conference