The Davey O’Brien Foundation
Davey O’Brien’s longtime friend and business partner, Charles Ringler, believed that the accomplishments and commitment of one of Fort Worth’s finest sports heroes deserved to be honored and remembered. In November 1977, just before O’Brien passed away from cancer, Ringler and other members of The Fort Worth Club established the Davey O’Brien Foundation and the Davey O’Brien Memorial Trophy.
The purpose of the Davey O’Brien Foundation is to recognize outstanding student-athletes for their achievements both on and off the field through the Foundation’s various awards programs. Since 1977, the Foundation has given away more than $1.3 million in scholarships and university grants to help high school and college athletes transform leadership on the field into leadership in life.
Each year at it’s annual dinner, the Davey O’Brien Foundation honors and recognizes winners of the four awards it oversees: the National Quarterback Award, the Legends Award, the Charles Ringler Founders Award, and the High School Scholarship Award.
The Davey O’Brien Foundation is a Section 501(c)(3) non-profit organization located in downtown Fort Worth.
Foundation Awards
The National Quarterback Award
The Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award is the nation’s oldest and most prestigious national quarterback award honoring candidates who exemplify Davey O’Brien’s enduring character while exhibiting teamwork, sportsmanship and leadership in both academics and athletics.
2022 Award Winner - Bryce Young, Alabama
2022 Award Winner - Phil Simms
The Legends Award
The Davey O’Brien Legends Award was established in 2001 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the Foundation and to pay tribute to Davey O’Brien. The Legends Award recognizes a college or professional quarterback who has made a significant contribution to the game of football, distinguished himself as an extraordinary leader and demonstrated exemplary conduct both on and off the football field.
The Charles Ringler Founders’ Award
The Charles Ringler Founder’s Award was created to honor the man responsible for establishing the Davey O’Brien Foundation and Davey O’Brien Memorial Trophy. Because of Mr. Ringler’s vision and steadfast commitment, the regional Memorial Trophy developed into the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award and over the past 30 years has gained national recognition and prestige. The Founder’s Award that bears Mr. Ringler’s name honors an individual or corporation devoted to the Davey O’Brien Foundation that has exhibited the same passion, pride and perseverance as Charles Ringler himself.
2020 Award Winner - The National Football Foundation