Davey O’Brien is a name that shines brightly in the annals of football history.
Born in Dallas, Texas, on June 22, 1917, O’Brien made an indelible mark both in college and professional football. He began his illustrious career at Woodrow Wilson High School before attending Texas Christian University (TCU), where he played under the shadow of another Hall of Famer, Sammy Baugh.
By his junior year, he had earned All-Southwest Conference honors, setting the stage for future accolades.
In 1938, Davey O’Brien not only led TCU to an undefeated season but also won the Heisman Trophy, cementing his status as one of college football’s greatest quarterbacks.
His professional career, though brief, was nothing short of remarkable. Playing for the Philadelphia Eagles from 1939 to 1940, O’Brien earned All-Pro honors and was named Rookie of the Year. O’Brien’s legacy continues to be celebrated through the Davey O’Brien Award, given annually to the best college quarterback.
Beyond his athletic achievements, O’Brien had a diverse career. After retiring from football, he spent a decade as a special agent for the FBI before returning to Texas to work in the oil industry.
The impact of his contributions to football is forever memorialized in the College Football Hall of Fame and the Texas Sports Hall of Fame. His life story is not only a testament to his talent on the field but also to his versatility and dedication off it.
Who Is Davey O’Brien?
Davey O’Brien is a celebrated figure in American football history, celebrated for his achievements both on and off the field. He has left a lasting legacy that continues to be honored today.
Where Did Davey O’Brien Grow Up?
Davey O’Brien was born in Dallas, Texas, on June 22, 1917. He attended Woodrow Wilson High School in Dallas, where he began to show his talent for football.
His time in high school laid the foundation for his future success in college and professional football.
Growing up in Texas, a state passionate about football, played a significant role in shaping his future career. His dedication and hard work during his formative years were key in his athletic development.
Where Does Davey O’Brien Live?
Davey O’Brien spent much of his life in Texas. After retiring from football, he moved to Fort Worth, Texas, to work in the oil business.
Fort Worth became a significant part of his post-football life. Following stints in various roles, including working for the FBI, he settled in Fort Worth, making it his home until his passing in 1977. The region honored his contributions by hosting events related to his eponymous award for excellence in quarterbacking.
Who Is Davey O’Brien Married To?
Davey O’Brien married his college sweetheart, Mildred Mae Massey. Their relationship flourished during his time at Texas Christian University (TCU), where he played college football.
The couple shared a deep bond, strengthened by their shared experiences and mutual support. While much of the public focus was on O’Brien’s professional achievements, his marriage to Mildred played a vital role in his personal life. They remained married until his death, providing a stable foundation throughout his varied career.
Does Davey O’Brien Have Children?
Davey and Mildred O’Brien had three children: two daughters and a son.
His role as a father was as significant to him as his accomplishments on the football field. His children remember him not only as a sports icon but also as a devoted family man.
The legacy of Davey O’Brien continues through his family. They have been involved in various activities to honor his memory and maintain the traditions associated with the Davey O’Brien Award, ensuring that his contributions to football and society are not forgotten.
Davey O’Brien College Football Career
Davey O’Brien’s college football career is notable for his standout performances and numerous accolades. He played for TCU, where he achieved significant milestones and led his team to victories in major bowl games.
Where Did Davey O’Brien Play College Football?
Davey O’Brien played college football at Texas Christian University (TCU). He was a quarterback for the TCU Horned Frogs from 1935 to 1938.
Under the guidance of coach Dutch Meyer, O’Brien developed his skills and became a key player for the team. His talent and leadership were instrumental in TCU’s success during his tenure. He played alongside legendary players like Sammy Baugh, further highlighting the strength of the TCU roster.
Did Davey O’Brien Coach College Football?
Davey O’Brien did not pursue a career in coaching college football after his playing days were over. Instead, he shifted his focus to other professional endeavors, including a ten-year stint as an FBI special agent.
O’Brien later entered the Texas oil business. Although he did not coach, his legacy in college football is commemorated through the Davey O’Brien Award, given annually to the best college quarterback.
What Awards Did Davey O’Brien Accomplish In College Football?
Davey O’Brien achieved several notable awards during his college football career. In 1938, he won the prestigious Heisman Trophy, becoming the first player from TCU to do so.
He also received the Maxwell Award the same year, recognizing him as the best college football player in the nation. These accolades solidified his reputation as one of the top quarterbacks in college football history.
What Bowl Games Did Davey O’Brien Win In College Football?
Davey O’Brien led TCU to victory in the 1939 Sugar Bowl, where the Horned Frogs defeated Carnegie Tech 15-7. This win helped secure TCU’s claim to the national championship that year.
O’Brien’s performance in the game was a key factor in the team’s success, cementing his legacy as a clutch player in high-stakes games.
Davey O’Brien Professional Football Career
Davey O’Brien had a short yet impactful professional football career. Known for his skill as a quarterback, he made significant achievements in the NFL during his brief time with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Did Davey O’Brien Play In The NFL?
Yes, Davey O’Brien played in the NFL. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1939 as the fourth overall pick. Standing at just 5’7″ and weighing 151 pounds, he was notable for his size and skill.
O’Brien played for two seasons with the Eagles, from 1939 to 1940. During his time in the NFL, he completed 223 of 478 passes, amassing 2,614 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Though his career was brief, he made an impression with his passing skills and accuracy. He played a total of 22 games in his professional career.
Did Davey O’Brien Coach In The NFL?
Davey O’Brien did not coach in the NFL after his playing career ended. Instead, he chose a different path. After retiring from football in 1940, he joined the FBI and served as a special agent for about a decade.
Upon leaving the FBI, O’Brien returned to his hometown of Fort Worth, Texas, to work in the oil business. There is no record of him taking up coaching roles in professional football or at any level, focusing instead on his career outside of sports.
What Awards Did Davey O’Brien Accomplish In Professional Football?
During his rookie season in 1939, Davey O’Brien received multiple accolades. He was named the NFL Rookie of the Year and earned All-Pro honors.
These awards highlighted his outstanding performance as a quarterback in his first year with the Philadelphia Eagles.
In addition to these NFL awards, O’Brien had previously won the Heisman Trophy and Maxwell Award in 1938, making him the first quarterback to receive these college football honors. His professional awards cemented his legacy as a skilled player despite his short career.
Did Davey O’Brien Win A Super Bowl?
Davey O’Brien did not win a Super Bowl. His NFL career was too brief to coincide with the Super Bowl era, which began in 1967.
However, he made a significant impact during his time with the Philadelphia Eagles. Although O’Brien never had the chance to compete for a Super Bowl title, his contributions to the game were recognized and remembered. The Davey O’Brien Award was named in his honor, given annually to the best college quarterback.
What Is Davey O’Brien Up To Now?
Davey O’Brien has had a significant impact on football history and continues to be celebrated through various means. Despite passing away on November 18, 1977, his legacy lives on.
Is Davey O’Brien Still Involved In Football?
Davey O’Brien left an indelible mark on football, but he is no longer personally involved due to his passing. His name and legacy, however, remain quite active in the football community.
The Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award is one key aspect of his enduring influence. This award is given annually to the best collegiate quarterback. The Davey O’Brien Foundation oversees the award and conducts various events, such as the awards dinner, to honor current and past recipients.
Although he is not physically involved, his name continues to inspire new generations of football players.
Does Davey O’Brien Do Private Speaking Engagements?
Since Davey O’Brien has been deceased since 1977, he does not participate in private speaking engagements. However, events and ceremonies in his honor often feature guest speakers who discuss his life and contributions.
For instance, awards dinners hosted by the Davey O’Brien Foundation frequently include speakers who share stories and insights about O’Brien.
These engagements are crucial for keeping his spirit and contributions alive in the collective memory of football enthusiasts.
Does Davey O’Brien Have A Podcast?
Davey O’Brien himself could not produce a podcast. However, the Davey O’Brien Foundation could potentially explore podcasting as a way to share content related to his legacy.
A podcast could include episodes discussing his time playing for the TCU Horned Frogs, interviews with past winners of the Davey O’Brien Award, and features on notable moments in his career and life.
This medium would offer an engaging platform to keep his legacy alive in the digital age.
Has Davey O’Brien Gone Into Broadcasting?
Davey O’Brien did not have a career in broadcasting during his lifetime. After his football career, he worked for the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and later ventured into the oil business and land development.
Despite not pursuing broadcasting, his story and impact on football have made him a frequent subject of sports media coverage.
Notably, sports broadcasters often reference him during games when discussing award-winning quarterbacks, ensuring his name remains prominent in football discussions.
His memorial trophy and the various awards that bear his name also frequently receive media coverage, helping to keep his legacy in the public eye.
What Is Davey O’Brien Net Worth?
Davey O’Brien didn’t enjoy the multimillion-dollar contracts that modern NFL players do. His professional football career was brief, lasting just two seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Despite this, O’Brien’s impact was significant, both on and off the field.
After his time in the NFL, O’Brien worked as a special agent for the FBI for ten years. He later returned to Fort Worth, Texas, where he pursued a career in the oil business.
These transitions into different professions likely provided him with a stable income, though exact figures are hard to determine.
Career Earnings Breakdown:
- NFL Career: Played two seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles.
- FBI Career: Served as a special agent for ten years.
- Oil Business: Worked in this industry after retiring from law enforcement.
Factors affecting O’Brien’s net worth include the different eras of his earnings and the lack of substantial NFL salaries in his time.
The average NFL player in the 1930s and 1940s earned far less than today’s players. With his diverse career, it can be inferred that O’Brien had a comfortable, though not extravagant, financial status.
To know more about his achievements and contributions, check the Pro Football Hall of Fame and Davey O’Brien Award.
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