Davey O'Brien

Bio

Texas Christian's Sammy Baugh had torn the Southwest Conference apart in 1936 while a sophomore understudy named Davey O'Brien awaited his turn. Few felt this 5-7, 150-pound mite could ever fill the shoes of the legendary Baugh. However, O'Brien proved a spectacular successor to the TCU passing throne. Like Baugh, O'Brien was destined to drive enemy defenses daffy with his incredible passing feats. Dutch Meyer, who coached both quarterbacks at TCU, compared his prized pupils, saying: "Baugh was a better all-around player than O'Brien, and a better passer, but as a field general Davey has never been equaled. He was the finest play selector I've ever seen." In 1938, O'Brien led TCU to an undefeated season and a national championship. He won the Heisman and Maxwell Awards and threw 19 touchdown passes. O'Brien played two years with the Philadelphia Eagles, 1939-40, and was All-Pro and Rookie of the Year, 1939. He quit football and spent 10 years as a special agent for the FBI, and in 1950 returned to Fort Worth to work in the oil business. The Davey O'Brien Award, for the best quarterback each year, is named for him.

Career Highlights

• 1938 All-Conference
• 1938 Conference MVP
• 1938 Heisman Trophy Winner
• 1938 Led nation in pass completions
• 1938 Led nation in total offense
• 1938 Unanimous All-America
• 1937 All-Conference
• 1937 Led nation in pass completions
• 1937 Second Team All-America