Film to be Based Upon the Life of Pro Football's First African American Quarterback
NEWPORT BEACH, California (MMD Newswire) October 26, 2009 -- Leigh Steinberg and Leigh Steinberg Sports & Entertainment (LSSE), formally announced a partnership today with West Omaha Films for the production of the feature film, The Magician. The script for the film is inspired by the life and story of Marlin Briscoe, the first African-American quarterback to start in a professional football game. Steinberg and LSSE will consult in the production of the film, as well as market and secure product placement opportunities.
Steinberg, most commonly known as a top sports attorney and as the player agent for top professional quarterbacks such as Troy Aikman, Warren Moon, Ben Roethlisberger, and Steve Young, also has an impressive resume of consulting roles in other sports themed blockbuster films. Most notably, Steinberg was the real-life inspiration for the movie Jerry Maguire (1996) and served as a technical consultant to Cameron Crowe during the film's production. Steinberg has also served as a technical consultant for HBO's Arli$ (1996), For the Love of the Game (1999), and Director Oliver Stone's Any Given Sunday (1999).
"Marlin Briscoe's story is one of triumph, tragedy and perseverance," said Steinberg. "Regardless of race or sex, this movie will inspire anyone who has ever faced adversity or been a victim of prejudice. The story itself transcends the football field and will impact people's lives regardless of their background."
Steinberg added that though no formal release date has been set, the project itself has garnered much new attention, which will seemingly assist West Omaha Films' financing efforts in a difficult economic climate. "You hear about Marlin's story and you immediately want to be involved," Steinberg said.
Briscoe, nicknamed "The Magician", was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the 14th Round of the 1968 American Football League Draft and fought racially motivated prejudice before being named Denver's starting quarterback halfway through his rookie season. Unexpectedly, he was cut from the team after the season. Despite the setback, Briscoe went on to enjoy a successful Pro-Bowl career as wide receiver for the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, and New England Patriots. He was also a member of Miami's perfect 16-0 Super Bowl Winning season in 1972. Despite a successful professional football career, upon retirement Briscoe found himself homeless with a drug addiction he battled for years.
Today, Briscoe resides in Long Beach, California and is heavily involved in community work as a spokesperson. In 2006, Nike launched a television and print ad campaign around Briscoe, and a fictional football team called, "The Briscoe High Hawks." The campaign also featured NFL stars such as Brian Urlacher and Steve Young.
Warren Moon, a close friend of Briscoe, recognizes the significance of his story. Moon entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2006 as the first African-American quarterback to receive the honor. "As an African-American athlete and quarterback myself, I always appreciated what Marlin overcame," said Moon. "He is undoubtedly one of the great pioneers of the game of football and helped pave the way for many others, including myself."
Briscoe, who is working with West Omaha Films as a consultant to the project, believes the partnership with Steinberg and LSSE offers the film a strategic advantage. "Our vision has always been to partner with the best in the industry and we've done that," acknowledged Briscoe. "Leigh and Leigh Steinberg Sports & Entertainment bring a solid brand, a history of success, and instant credibility to the project. For obvious reasons this association is very exciting for us."
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