The Poe Brothers A Dynasty of Gridiron Prowess at Princeton

The Poe brothers, six in total, etched their names into Princeton football history, dominating the gridiron from 1882 to 1901. While they all shared the family name and a talent for the game, each brother brought unique contributions and personalities to the field. Here's a glimpse into their individual stories:

1. Samuel Johnson Poe (Class of 1884):

Played halfback from 1882-1883, serving as team captain in his senior year.
Described as a "powerful runner and sure tackler," he helped establish the Poe family's presence on the team.

2. Edgar Allan Poe (Class of 1891):

The most famous of the brothers, though not necessarily for football.

Played all-around back from 1887-1890, captaining the team in his junior and senior years.

Not quite as athletic as his siblings, he made up for it with his strategic mind and leadership, earning All-American honors.

3. John Prentiss Poe Jr. (Class of 1895):

Played halfback in 1891-1892, showing promise but leaving school due to academic reasons.
Returned later to coach, leaving a lasting impact on the program's development.

4. Neilson (Net) Poe (Class of 1897):

Played in the backfield from 1895-1896, showcasing speed and agility.
Followed in his brother's footsteps, returning to coach later in his career.

5. Arthur Poe (Class of 1900):

Became an All-American end in 1899 and 1900, known for his remarkable leaping ability and clutch catches.
Scored the winning touchdown in consecutive years against rival Yale, solidifying his place in Princeton lore.

6. Gresham Poe (Class of 1902):

Primarily a substitute quarterback from 1901-1902, though nearly led a comeback against Yale in 1901.

Played professionally for a brief period and later coached at the University of Virginia.
The Poe brothers, despite varying levels of individual fame and playing styles, collectively embodied a spirit of dedication, grit, and athleticism that helped shape Princeton football's early legacy. Their contributions transcended the playing field, with several returning to coach and leaving a lasting impact on the program's development. While Edgar Allan Poe may be the most well-known member of the family, the other Poe brothers deserve recognition for their unique talents and contributions to the gridiron, solidifying their place as a remarkable dynasty in Princeton football history.