John “Babe” Brown anchored the Navy Midshipmen line as a dominant guard and showcased incredible kicking accuracy, famously kicking his way to a legendary victory in the 1913 Army-Navy rivalry before dedicating his life to military service and preserving gridiron history.
Football Bio
September 12, 1891 – John Brown, who played for the Navy as a guard, was born.
Babe was a first-team college football All-American at guard in the 1913 season.
The 1913 Army-Navy game ended up in a 6 nothing midshipman’s win for the Midshipmen, as Brown scored all of the points in the game by kicking two field goals.
Brown later served as the president of the National Football Foundation, which oversees the College Football Hall of Fame.
In 1955, voters inducted him into the College Football Hall of Fame.
Brown became a Vice admiral in the U.S. Navy during World War II.
John “Babe” Brown left an indelible mark on both the gridiron and his country, shaping the sport’s enduring legacy through his leadership of the National Football Foundation and his heroic service in the U.S. Navy.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1955.
- Earned First-Team All-American honors at guard during the 1913 season.
- Scored every point (two field goals) to secure a 6-0 Navy shutout victory in the 1913 Army-Navy game.
- Served as President of the National Football Foundation, overseeing the College Football Hall of Fame.
- Reached the rank of Vice Admiral in the United States Navy during World War II.
