The first black quarterback of the NFL Willie Thrower is attributed with playing in the first NFL game as a black quarterback.  In 1953, he played a game for the Chicago Bears.  Amazingly Thrower was signed for a small sum of $8,500.  Largely seen as a Jackie Robinson like feat, Thrower was harassed when he played the game.  At the time it was seen that only white players could play the position of quarterback.

In the modern era, Marlin Briscoe is seen as the first quarterback of the NFL to start an game.  While his rookie season was in Denver, his rookie football card features a classic pose in Buffalo.  Briscoe was drafted by the Denver Broncos and then was traded to the Buffalo Bills.  In Denver in his rookie season Briscoe started 5 games and compiled a 2-3 record.  In his rookie season, he threw for 14 touchdowns and 13 interceptions.  For only playing in 11 games total and not the entire game these are really quite exceptional numbers.  Ironically it wasnt his passing that Briscoe is most noted for rather his receiving.  After his rookie campaign Marlin Briscoe converted to a wide receiver and became a very good NFL receiver.  In his career he had over 30 touchdowns receiving to go with his early career passing numbers.

Marlin Briscoe will forever be seen as the First Black Quarterback of the NFL to start a game.  Today their is still an NFL camp for black athletes looking to play the quarterback position.  The NFL holds a debt of graditude to players like Willie Thower and Marlin Briscoe.