Born on March 17, 1876, in New Bedford, Massachusetts, John Ashley Gammons, better known as Daff Gammons, was an early baseball and football legend.

"Daff" Gammons was a true multi-sport phenomenon, achieving legendary status in early football and baseball. His college career saw him excel in football for the formidable Brown University team of 1897. He also showcased his baseball talents for Brown and, later, Harvard.  

Gammons transitioned seamlessly into the early professional football landscape. He starred for the Duquesne Country and Athletic Club in 1898 and 1899, followed by the Homestead Library teams in 1900 and 1901. Remarkably, his contributions to these dominant squads made him a four-time professional football champion, a testament to his skill and impact during this nascent era of the sport. His prowess wasn't limited to the gridiron; at 25, Gammons broke into Major League Baseball with the Boston Beaneaters, further solidifying his athletic versatility.  

Beyond his playing days, Gammons left a significant mark as a collegiate coach of football and baseball.

He also found success as an amateur golfer, highlighting his well-rounded athletic abilities. While specific accolades and detailed statistics from this early period are often scarce, his four professional football championships stand as a primary testament to his football legacy. John Ashley "Daff" Gammons embodied the spirit of early athletics, excelling in multiple disciplines and leaving an indelible mark on both football and baseball history.  

Gammons starred on the excellent Brown University football team of 1897, the Duquesne Country and Athletic Club teams of 1898 and 1899, Homestead Library teams of 1900 and 1901, and was a four-time pro football champion. Daff played baseball for both Brown and Harvard in college and then, at the age of 25, broke into MLB with the Boston Beaneaters. He also excelled as a college football coach, baseball coach, and amateur golfer. He was an all-around athletic stud.