Tom O'Malley

Thomas Louis O'Malley (July 23, 1925 – June 11, 2011) was a quarterback in the National Football League (NFL). He was a member of the Green Bay Packers during the 1950 NFL season. He played for the Ottawa Rough Riders of the Canadian Football League (CFL) from 1951 to 1953, leading them to the 39th Grey Cup, winning it 21−14. He played college football at Cincinnati. In his one NFL game he threw six interceptions.

Early life Tom O'Malley was born on July 23, 1925, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He went to high school at Hughes (OH). After High School, he was in the navy for three years.

College career O'Malley joined the Cincinnati Bearcats after serving in the navy. His first year of college was in 1946. He was their starting quarterback in all four of his college years. He was drafted in the 6th round (45) of the 1949 AAFC Draft by the Cleveland Browns but continued college. In 1949 with new head coach Sid Gillman, he led the nation in passing yards. He set a single-game Packers record with six interceptions. One interception was returned for a touchdown. The Packers lost to the Detroit Lions 45-7. He was the backup quarterback for Butch Songin. With the Vets he completed 22 of 63 attempts for 405 yards, 1 touchdown, and 6 interceptions. The Vets lost the final American Association championship to the Richmond Rebels.

From 1951 to 1953, he was the starting quarterback for the Ottawa Rough Riders. In 1951, he played in 12 games and threw 20 touchdowns. He led the Rough Riders to the 39th Grey Cup, which they won 21–14. He also had one rushing touchdown in 1951. In 1952 he played 12 games and had 19 touchdown passes. In 1953 he played in 14 games and had 22 touchdown passes. He also had one rushing touchdown. 1953 was his final season. He played 38 games for the Rough Riders.

Later life He was later inducted into the Cincinnati Bearcats Hall of Fame, Cincinnati Bearcats Ring of Honor, Nippert Stadium Ring of Honor, and James P. Kelly, Sr. UC Athletics Hall of Fame. He died on June 11, 2011, at the age of 85.