By Darin Davey O’Brien shatters collegiate passing records, directs the TCU Horned Frogs to a glorious national championship, and ultimately conquers the NFL with his unmatched field vision.
Football Bio
June 22, 1917 – Dallas, Texas – TCU’s legendary quarterback from 1936 to 1938, Davey O’Brien, was born.
Texas Christian was blessed that O’Brien got to watch the great Sammy Baugh for a season or two as the starter before he took the reins himself and the Horned Frog signal caller. Learning as an understudy, he did too!
The National Football Foundation tells us that, 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.
Davey O’Brien’s collegiate football records are celebrated in the College Football Hall of Fame after his induction in 1955.
After graduation, O’Brien played two years with the Philadelphia Eagles, 1939-40, and was All-Pro and Rookie of the Year, 1939. He then surprisingly quit football and spent 10 years as an FBI special agent before entering the business world.
Davey O’Brien transitions seamlessly from a gridiron superstar to a dedicated FBI agent, proving his exceptional drive and adaptability. He leaves an enduring legacy as one of the greatest game managers and play selectors in the history of college football.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- Heisman Trophy Winner: Won the award in 1938.
- Maxwell Award Winner: Honored as the nation’s top player in 1938.
- Walter Camp Trophy: Became the first player to win the Heisman, Maxwell, and Walter Camp trophies in the same year (1938).
- National Champion: Led the TCU Horned Frogs to an undefeated season and national title in 1938.
- Unanimous All-American: Earned unanimous honors in 1938.
- First-Team All-Southwest Conference: Selected twice in 1937 and 1938.
- Pioneer for the SWC: Became the first Heisman Trophy winner from both TCU and the Southwest Conference.
- NFL First Round Pick: Selected fourth overall by the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1939 NFL draft.
- NFL Passing Yards Leader: Led the league in passing yards during his 1939 rookie season.
- First-team All-Pro and NFL All-Star: Achieved both honors in 1939.
- NFL Rookie of the Year: Recognized as the league’s top rookie in 1939.
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1955.
- TCU Athletics Hall of Fame: Inducted as part of the inaugural class in 1967.