O'Brien, Davey

Prepare to dive into the extraordinary career of Davey O'Brien, a quarterback whose groundbreaking accomplishments at TCU defied expectations and forever etched his name into football history. This series will explore how O'Brien, despite his smaller stature, became a dominant force, transforming the passing game with his precision and unparalleled leadership.

From his Heisman Trophy-winning collegiate season where he set national passing records, to his brief but impactful professional career, we'll trace the journey of a true gridiron innovator. Discover how O'Brien's intelligence, athleticism, and pinpoint accuracy paved the way for modern quarterback play, cementing his legacy as a pioneer and a beloved figure in Texas football lore.

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. Learn 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 a special agent for the FBI before going into the business world.