DAVEY O’BRIEN: TCU’s Celebrated Heisman Trophy Winner
In the annals of Texas Christian University’s storied athletic history, one name shines with unparalleled distinction: Davey O’Brien. This exceptional athlete brought immense pride to TCU by becoming the university’s first and only Heisman Trophy winner. His achievement in 1938 remains a beacon of excellence and a source of inspiration for generations of Horned Frogs.
Robert David O’Brien, born on June 22, 1917, in Dallas, Texas, was a remarkable football player whose career at TCU left an indelible mark on the sport. He played quarterback for the TCU Horned Frogs and earned widespread acclaim for his exceptional skills and leadership on the field. O’Brien’s dynamic playing style and strategic brilliance were instrumental in leading the Horned Frogs to success.
O’Brien initially played as a backup to Sammy Baugh (a future NFL Hall of Famer) before becoming the starting quarterback in 1937. In this first year as a starter, he was named to the first-team All-Southwest Conference. His 1938 season was legendary, as he threw for 1,457 yards – a Southwest Conference record that stood for ten years – and only had four interceptions in 194 attempts. O’Brien also holds the NCAA record for most rushing and passing plays in a single season. Under his leadership, the Horned Frogs achieved an undefeated season, outscoring opponents 269-60, and concluded with a national championship victory in the Sugar Bowl against Carnegie Tech.
O’Brien’s stellar performance earned him the Heisman Trophy and the Maxwell Award in 1938, making him the first quarterback to win both honors in the same year. He was also named to 13 All-America teams. Off the field, he was an honorary member of Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, Texas Gamma chapter, and majored in geology.
In the 1939 NFL draft, O’Brien was selected in the first round with the fourth overall pick by the Philadelphia Eagles. He signed a two-year contract, becoming the first Heisman Trophy winner to play in the NFL. In his rookie season, he led the league in passing with 1,324 yards, breaking his old TCU teammate Sammy Baugh’s single-season passing yardage record.
During his professional career, O’Brien completed 223 out of 478 passes, accumulating 2,614 yards and 11 touchdowns. Additionally, he played as a defensive back and punter, intercepting four passes for a total of 92 yards and averaging 40.7 yards per punt across nine kicks.
In recognition of his contributions to college football, O’Brien was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1955. His legacy continues to be honored through the Davey O’Brien Award, established in 1981 and awarded annually to the best quarterback in college football.
As we celebrate Davey O’Brien’s enduring contribution to TCU’s legacy, it serves as a poignant reminder of the profound influence one individual can have on a community. Let us honor his memory by planning for our own futures and ensuring our legacies are preserved for generations to come. Contact the Mendel Law Firm at www.mendellawfirm.com, for assistance in creating your legacy.
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