Grattan O'Connell
John Grattan O'Connell (October 27, 1902 – March 14, 1942)[1] was an American professional football player who played two seasons in the National Football League (NFL) from 1926 to 1927. He played for the Hartford Blues during the 1926 season and the Providence Steam Roller during the 1927 season.
 O'Connell, circa 1924 | |
| Born: | October 27, 1902 Thomaston, Connecticut |
|---|---|
| Died: | March 14, 1942 (aged 39) |
| Career information | |
| Position(s) | End |
| College | Boston College |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 1925–1926 | Hartford Blues |
| 1927 | Providence Steam Roller |
Prior to his professional career, he played at the football at the college level, while attending Boston College. While in college, he started every game of his four-year football career with the Eagles. He once blocked six kicks in a game, while at BC and earned All-American honors during his junior year. Outside of football, he played for the school's basketball team.
O'Connell was a cartoonist and contributed to The Heights while at Boston College.[2] At the time of his death, O'Connell was working as a sportswriter for the Hartford Courant.[3]
In 1971, he was inducted into the Boston College Varsity Club Athletic Hall of Fame.
References
- "1949 - 1940 Pro Football Necrology List". Pro Football Deaths 1942. Oldest Living Pro Football Players. 2012. Retrieved 2012-06-01.
- "Featuring 'Carpe Noctem' in 'He Whose Pocketbook Gets Slapped'". The Heights. Boston, Massachusetts. 3 February 1925. p. 3. Retrieved 12 April 2021.
- "Grat O'Connell Funeral Will Be Held On Monday". Hartford Courant. Hartford, Connecticut. 15 March 1942. p. 46. Retrieved 13 April 2021.
- Boston College Player Bio
- Hogrogian, John (1982). "The Hartford Blues Part I" (PDF). Coffin Corner. Professional Football Researchers Association. 4 (8): 1–5. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2010-11-27.