By Darin Fred “Buzz” Borries is a true American hero whose legacy spans the football field and the high seas. This great Navy halfback is legendary for scoring the only touchdown in Navy’s huge 1933 victory over Notre Dame and dominating the 1934 Army-Navy game with 36 carries. Discover the story of the College Football Hall of Famer and decorated Commander who secured victories both for the Midshipmen and for his country.
Football Bio
December 13, 1911 – Louisville, Kentucky – Fred “Buzz” Borries, the great Navy halfback, was born. Borries, according to the footballfoundation.org website, scored the only TD in the 1933 Navy 7-0 victory over Notre Dame.
During the 1934 Army-Navy game, Buzz had 36 carries for the Midshipmen and helped set up a Slade Cutter field goal to knock off the Cadets 3-0. The National Football Foundation Selected Buzz Borries to enter the College Football Hall of Fame in 1960.
Commander Fred Borries was a decorated war hero who helped the vessels in his command win some stunning victories at sea, just like he did on the gridiron earlier in life.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- Birth Date: December 13, 1911 (Louisville, Kentucky)
- Nickname: “Buzz”
- Team: United States Naval Academy (Navy Midshipmen)
- Position: Halfback
- Key Performance (1933): Scored the only touchdown in Navy’s 7-0 victory over Notre Dame.
- Key Performance (1934): Had 36 carries in the Army-Navy game, setting up the field goal that secured a 3-0 victory over Army.
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted by the National Football Foundation in 1960.
- Military Service: Decorated War Hero, achieving the rank of Commander.
Conclusion
Fred “Buzz” Borries represents the finest traditions of the Naval Academy: excellence on the gridiron and courage in command. From dominating the ground game against Army and scoring the winning touchdown against Notre Dame in the 1930s, Borries demonstrated the powerful drive that earned him his College Football Hall of Fame selection in 1960. His service as a decorated Commander proved that his ability to secure victory extended far beyond the football field.
