The Original Dual-Threat QB: Charlie Daly, From Harvard Star to Army Legend

On October 31, 1880, in Roxbury, Massachusetts, college football gained one of its earliest and most decorated legends: Charlie Daly. An interesting fact about Daly is that he is one of the few players in history to be named a First-Team All-America four times while playing at two different elite universities—Harvard and Army. His skill and leadership were so dominant at the turn of the century that famed Yale coach Walter Camp—the “Father of American Football”—included him on an all-time All-America team.

Daly’s career was defined by consistent excellence and unforgettable performances, particularly in the fierce Army-Navy rivalry. In the 1901 contest, Daly personally accounted for all of Army’s points in the 11-5 victory over Navy, cementing his status as a true football icon.

The footballfoundation.org website states that he played for 5 years and was a first-team All-America 4 times. He played for Harvard in 1898-1900 and for Army 1901-1902. He was a first-team All-America all three years at Harvard and in 1901 at Army. In his final season, Walter Camp named him a third-team All-America. In the three years Daly was at Harvard, the team posted a 31-1-1 record. The Army went 11-2-3 during his two seasons.

Football Accolades & Accomplishments

• Four-Time First-Team All-America: Earned First-Team honors in 1898, 1899, and 1900 while at Harvard, and again in 1901 at Army (West Point).
• Dual-School Dominance: Played quarterback for five collegiate seasons, three at Harvard (1898-1900) and two at Army (1901-1902).
• Harvard Success: Led the Harvard team to a remarkable 31-1-1 record during his three seasons there.
• Army-Navy Hero: In the 1901 Army-Navy game, he scored all 11 of Army’s points in the 11-5 victory via a 100-yard kick return for a touchdown, a field goal, and an extra point.
• Walter Camp Recognition: Named to an all-time All-America team by Walter Camp and selected as a Third-Team All-America in his final season (1902).
• College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1951.