Fran O'Brien (American football)

Fran O'Brien

No. 70, 61, 72
Position:	Offensive tackle
Personal information
Born:	(1936-04-17)April 17, 1936 Springfield, Massachusetts
Died:	October 21, 1999(1999-10-21) (aged 63) Washington, D.C.
Height:	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
Weight:	253 lb (115 kg)
Career information
High school:	Holyoke (MA)
College:	Michigan State
NFL draft:	1959 / Round: 3 / Pick: 35
Career history
Cleveland Browns (1959) Washington Redskins (1960–1966) Pittsburgh Steelers (1966–1968)
Career NFL statistics
Games played: 142 Fumble recoveries: 4
Player stats at PFR

Francis Joseph O'Brien (April 17, 1936 – October 21, 1999) was an American football offensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL) who played for the Cleveland Browns (1959), the Washington Redskins (1960–66) and the Pittsburgh Steelers (1966–68). He played college football at Michigan State University.

Early life

O'Brien was born in Springfield, Massachusetts and raised in Holyoke, Massachusetts, where attended Holyoke High School.

College career

O'Brien attended and played college football at Michigan State University.

Professional career

O'Brien was selected in the third round (35th overall) of the 1959 NFL Draft by the Cleveland Browns. After playing for the Browns for one season, he was traded to the Washington Redskins and played for Washington from 1960 to 1966. In 1966, he was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he played for three seasons.

Restaurant business

After retiring from football, O'Brien owned and operated restaurants in Annapolis, Maryland, Washington, D. C., and Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. These restaurants became very popular, especially with politicians and lobbyists.

Personal life

O'Brien married to his wife, Elizabeth, in 1965 and they had two children. He died on October 21, 1999 of a heart attack at George Washington University Hospital in Washington, D. C..

External links

• Career statistics and player information from NFL.com · Pro Football Reference
• O'Brien's Steakhouse