MARLIN BRISCOE
It only took Marlin Briscoe five months after graduating from the University of Omaha to make his mark on the world — the professional football world, that is. On Oct. 6, 1968, Briscoe started at quarterback for the Denver Broncos in a game against Cincinnati, becoming the first black starting quarterback in professional football. And Briscoe showed that not only could a black quarterback play, he could excel. In an outstanding rookie season he set numerous Broncos records, several of which still stand (better, even, than Hall of Famer John Elway’s marks). That would be Briscoe’s only season in Denver, though. He played receiver in Buffalo from 1969 to 1971, leading the AFC in receptions in 1970 and earning All-Pro status. He then put in three years with Miami, winning two Super Bowl rings and playing on the 1972 Dolphin squad that went 17-0, the only NFL team ever to go undefeated. Briscoe finished his pro career at New England and left the NFL after playing nine years. He later fell on hard times but put his life in order and now is celebrated frequently for his historic feat (even appearing in a Nike commercial). A movie on his life is in development.