College Career

Peggy was a standout athlete at Case School of Applied Science (now Case Western Reserve University). He earned the prestigious title of a three-time All-Ohio college star while playing quarterback. However, his college career took an unexpected turn in 1905 when he was caught playing professional football on Sundays for the Shelby Blues under the alias "Jimmy Murphy." This revelation led to Parratt becoming the first college football star to be disciplined for playing professionally, marking a pivotal moment in the sport's early days.  

When questioned, Parratt did not deny the charge. Thus, he became the first college football star to be disciplined by his school for moonlighting as a professional football player.

Road to the Pro Game

Parratt's foray into professional football began while he was still in college. Despite the risks, he played for the Shelby Blues, showcasing his talent and passion for the game. After being barred from further intercollegiate play, Parratt fully embraced his professional career, joining the Lorain Pros for the remainder of the 1905 season. In 1906, he signed with the Massillon Tigers, where he made history by throwing the first legal forward pass in professional football on October 25, 1906. This groundbreaking moment solidified Parratt's place in football history, although initial recognition was delayed due to a later, erroneously credited pass. He stood as the first professional thrower of a legal pass until 2018.

Later findings by the researcher Gregg Ficery found an earlier forward pass on the same Massillon team, but it was a passer named Charlie Moran who threw a couple of forward tosses to our man, Peggy Parratt. Parratt is connected with Pro Football's first legal forward pass in either story.

Parratt's professional career spanned several teams, including the Massillon Tigers, Massillon All-Stars, Franklin Athletic Club, Shelby Blues, Akron Indians, and Cleveland Tigers. He was a talented player, coach, and owner, demonstrating his commitment to the sport.  

Football Legacy

Peggy Parratt's legacy extends beyond his historic forward pass. He was a pioneer of professional football, playing a crucial role in the sport's evolution in the early 20th century.

His decision to play professionally while in college, despite the consequences, highlighted the growing allure of the sport and the challenges faced by athletes in balancing amateur and professional opportunities. Parratt's versatility as a player, coach, and owner showcased his dedication to the game and his desire to contribute to its growth. His impact on the sport was recognized posthumously when he was inducted into the Hall of Honor by the Football Learning Academy. Peggy Parratt's contributions to football, both on and off the field, cemented his status as a true pioneer and legend of the game.  

Career information

✦ Position(s) Quarterback

✦ College Case School of Applied Science

Career history

As administrator

✦ 1925 Cleveland Tigers

As coach

✦ 1908–1911 Shelby Blues

✦ 1912–1914 Parratt's Indians

✦ 1916 Cleveland Tigers

As player

✦ 1905 Shelby Blues

✦ 1905 Lorain Pros

✦ 1906 Massillon Tigers

✦ 1907 All-Massillons

✦ 1907 Franklin (Ohio) A.C.

✦ 1908–1911 Shelby Blues

✦ 1912–1915 Parratt's Indians

✦ 1916 Cleveland Tigers

Career highlights and awards

✦ 4× Ohio League champion (1906, 1911, 1913, 1914)

✦ Threw first-ever legal forward pass in a professional game or more probably caught the 1st one

✦ Appointed to NFL Rules committee

✦ NFL representative the Intercollegiate Committee of Athletics

Peggy Parratt. (2024, October 10). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peggy_Parratt