 Willie Thrower, who helped Michigan State to a share of the national championship in 1952 and became the first African American to play quarterback in the NFL, has died. He was 71.
Thrower, who died of an apparent heart attack at his home Wednesday, played in one game for the Chicago Bears in 1953. "I look at it like this: I was like the Jackie Robinson of football. A black quarterback was unheard of before I hit the pros," Thrower told The Valley News Dispatch of Tarentum, Pa., last year. Thrower signed with the Bears for $8,500 as a backup quarterback after going undrafted.
"He played at a time when it was not fashionable for black athletes to have such a role," MSU Athletic Director Clarence Underwood said. Thrower also was the first black to play quarterback in the Big Ten. His only NFL game was Oct. 18, 1953, against the San Francisco 49ers in Chicago. Thrower relieved George Blanda, completing 3 of 8 passes for 27 yards with an interception in a 35-28 loss.
It would be 15 years until another black quarterback took a snap in a pro game. Marlin Briscoe started for the Denver Broncos in 1968 in what was then the American Football League.
"That's what everyone is going to remember him by, football," said his wife, Mary. "He always went by "Willie the Pro."
Marlin Briscoe would carry the legacy forward as he became the first black to start on a regular basis...his story is covered in his book the 1st Black Quarterback.
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| Marlin Briscoe from University of Omaha was drafted in the 14th Rd by the Denver Broncos (AFL) in the same draft as Dickey.Briscoe had been a two-sport star (Basketball and Football) in the Omaha area in both high school and college.Though he was small at 5’11, 185 lbs, Briscoe could more than get the job done as a quarterback.He was well schooled in the position by his uncle Bob Rose a youth coach in the Omaha region.He finished his senior year of college with 2,283 yards passing and was named a NAIA All-American in 1967.
He was nicknamed the “Magician” in college for the way he magically got away from defenders to make plays on the move.When Briscoe was signed by the Broncos, they asked him to come in as Defensive Back.Briscoe had been warned that pro football was still not ready for a black quarterback and he had already experienced similar treatment in High School where he had to play running back to get on the field.His college coach Al Caniglia knew Briscoe wanted to play quarterback and advised him to have his contract stipulate that in training camp he be given a three day tryout at the position.
When he arrived at training camp there were 8 quarterbacks and Briscoe was listed last on the depth chart.During the beginning of training camp, Briscoe dazzled at the position, but was moved to the defensive backfield after his three day tryout.Briscoe wanting a chance to make the team accepted the move, but fate snuck in to help him.Starter Steve Tensi broke his collarbone and backup Joe DiVito was unproductive.Briscoe finally got his chance in the 3rd game of the season against the Boston Patriots.He entered the game with the Broncos trailing 20-7 and almost helped them pull out a victory in a 20-17 loss, scoring a touchdown running the ball.After his showing Head Coach Lou Saban reluctantly named him the starter and he became the first African American Quarterback to start for a team.He ended up playing in 11 games, 7 of which he started.He finished with a Broncos rookie record of 1,589 yards passing and 14 TD’s, plus 308 yards rushing.
Some of Briscoe’s records stood until John Elway came along in 1983.The next season when Briscoe arrive, he was informed by Saban that he was no longer a quarterback and was cut without an explanation.Briscoe needing an opportunity almost signed with the British Columbia Lions (CFL).Instead he got picked up by the Buffalo Bills as an “Athlete”.The Bills were already set at quarterback with Tom Flores and Jack Kemp, additionally they already had an African American Quarterback in 1969 draftee James Harris, so Briscoe was moved to wide receiver.Briscoe practiced at quarterback only when the others were injured and strictly play wide receiver.He later developed into a quality receiver, playing three seasons for the Bills and earning Pro Bowl honors for the 1970-71 season, finishing with 57 catches for 1036 yards and 8 touchdowns.
After leaving Buffalo, Briscoe continued to play WR with the great Miami Dolphins teams of the early 1970’s including the 1972 perfect 17-0 team. He continued to play until 1976, playing with Detroit, San Diego and ending his career with the New England Patriots.Unfortunately Briscoe never got to achieve success at the quarterback position after a stellar rookie season in 1968.He later beat drug addiction and now counsels and coaches children in the Los Angeles area.
The Complete History of African American Quarterbacks In The NFL
by Lloyd Vance, BQB_Site@yahoo.com
published on Aug 29, 2005
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