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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 signed 5.25” x 4.25” (approximate size) album page dated 10/7/1937 by Davey O’Brien and on the back by the TCU football team. O’Brien wrote a note saying, “This is most of the boys. Thank you for your interest. Was very glad to hear from you. David O’Brien”
On the back are the autographs of 23 of his teammates including:
Ki Aldrich (D. 1983) College Football HOF and NFL player from 1939-47 (2 X Pro Bowler and NFL Champ with the Redskins in 1942)
Full LOA from PSA/DNA
Item: 13431
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