Marlin Briscoe, who became the first Black starting quarterback in the 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.

Briscoe told the team he'd return home to become a teacher if he couldn't get a tryout at quarterback.

James Harris was Briscoe's roommate with the Bills in 1969, and Briscoe helped Harris become the first Black quarterback in the AFL to open a season as a starter.

"It was at the time when Black quarterbacks were being denied, so you tried to make sure you were best prepared for the opportunity when it came," Harris said.

In 1974, Harris played for the Los Angeles Rams and became the first Black quarterback to win an NFL playoff game.

"Marlin was a pioneer who shattered barriers, making history as the first Black starting quarterback in the Super Bowl era.