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It was another great program by the Rotary Club of Omaha in recognizing the outstanding achievements of 8th grade students in Omaha.  I had the privilege of emceeing the annual luncheon which also featured several high school seniors who earned Rotary scholarships

The featured speaker was also an 8th grade honor role student more than three decades ago.  Marlin Briscoe returned to Omaha where he was a standout quarterback at Omaha South and Omaha University.

Briscoe was drafted to play professional football for the Denver Broncos and became the first black quarterback to start a game in the NFL.  He later earned two Super Bowl rings as the standout receiver for the Miami Dolphins.

But his candid talk to the young students also included his fall from stardom to an empty life on the street of Los Angeles, addicted to drugs and alcohol. 

His remarkable climb back to sobriety is truly inspirational and it resonated with the audience of 1200 people at the Qwest Center. 

Briscoe's final admonishment to the students to "never give up" came from the heart.  He is now 20 years sober.

Plans have been in the works to produce a movie about Briscoe's life titled after his nickname "The Magician."  It will be a movie worth seeing.

Knicely Done!