Edward J. Finn (1972) - Hall of Fame - Brown University Athletics

Edward J. Finn

Induction:
1972
Class:
1949

Edward J. Finn '49
Hometown: Bethlehem, PA
Sport: Football
Year Inducted: 1972

Edward J. Finn '49 is rated the premiere passer in Brown football history. The native of Bethlehem, PA, had an auspicious varsity debut as a 17-year-old freshman in 1945, tossing touchdown passes of 61, 31, and 18 yards against Boston College. An accurate passer with a limber arm, Finn had ability to drill the ball on the short passes or feather it deep. The 5-10, 180-pounder set all the Brown passing records during his four-year varsity career, including the game records for attempts (25) and total offense (234) and season records for most yards gained (917), touchdown passes (13), and total offense. A quarter of a century after his last game, Finn still holds the Brown career record for the most yards gained (2,286) and touchdown passes (28) and the single-season record for touchdown tosses with 13. A quiet and unassuming person off the field, Finn was a riverboat gambler when you put a football in his hands, thinking nothing of passing from his end zone. His senior season was his best. He completed 47 of 102 passes for 917 yards and 13 touchdowns as Brown posted a 7-2 record. Finn passed for 212 yards and three touchdowns in Brown's dramatic come-from-behind 23-20 victory over Princeton. In a post-season game, Finn passed for two touchdowns as the north defeated the south in the annual Blue-Gray game. Some of the most exciting moments in Brown football came when Ed Finn faded back to pass and his favorite receiver, Chuck Nelson, streaked down the field. It is appropriate that both men are entering the Hall of Fame together this evening.