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Texas Christian's "Slingshot" Sammy Baugh had torn the Southwest Conference apart in 1936 while a sophomore understudy named Davey O'Brien awaited his turn. Few felt this 5-7, 150-pound mite of a man could ever fill the shoes of the legendary Baugh. However, O'Brien proved a spectacular successor to the TCU quarterbacking throne. 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. O'Brien played two years with the Philadelphia Eagles, 1939-40, and was All-Pro and Rookie of the Year, 1939. Ironically, during his rookie season in the NFL, Davey lead the NFL in passing with 1324 yards in 11 games, breaking his old TCU teammate Sammy Baugh’s single season passing yardage rocrd. He again led the league in several passing categories in 1940, including attempts and completions. The Eagles offered him a $2000 raise for the 1941 season, but instead quit football and spent 10 years as a special agent for the FBI, and in 1950 returned to Fort Worth to work in the oil business. He was born June 22, 1917, and died November 18, 1977. The Davey O'Brien Award, for the best quarterback each year, is named for him. He is a member of the College Football HOF.
Offered is a 1939 TCU yearbook signed by Davey O’Brien and several other students throughout.
Davey O’Brien signed by his photo in the football section of the yearbook in blue steel tipped pen and wrote, “Sue I have certainly enjoyed knowing you David O’Brien”
Also signed by several of his teammates including:
Allie White (D. 1996) was a member of the 1938 National Championship TCU team and played for the Philadelphia Eagles in 1939.
I.B. Hale (D. 1971 at age 53) 2 X All-American at TCU, member of the 1938 National Championship team, drafted by the Washington Redskins in the first round of the 1939 draft. He opted instead to join the FBI. His best friend was Davey O’Brien, which may have had something to do with O’Brien joining the Bureau.
Awesome piece!!
FULL LOA from PSA/DNA
Item: 13433
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