Percy Northcroft

Percy Wilfred Northcroft (August 31, 1886 – December 20, 1967) was an American football player and Naval officer. He played tackle for the Navy Midshipmen football team from 1905 to 1908 and was selected as an All-American in 1906 and 1908. He later served as an officer in the U.S. Navy.

Northcroft was a native of Pawtucket, Rhode Island. He enrolled at the United States Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland in June 1905 and played at the tackle position for the Navy Midshipmen football team from 1905 to 1908. Northcroft also competed in the weight events for the Academy's track and field team and was elected as captain of the track team in May 1908.

In 1906, Northcroft helped lead the Navy football team to a record of 8–2–2 and a 10–0 victory over Army. In the season-ending win over Army, Northcroft kicked a field goal that was variously reported to have been from the 42-yard line or the 48-yard line. One observer later recalled that Northcroft's long kick was made with the ball placed near the sideline and he "kicked the ball at least 20 feet above the goal posts and clear up into the end stand." The 1906 victory broke a four-game winning streak for Army. After the 1906 season, Northcroft was selected as a third-team All-American by Walter Camp for Collier's Weekly and a second-team All-American by Caspar Whitney for The Outing Magazine.

As a junior in 1907, Northcroft helped lead Navy to a record of 9–2–1, including eight shutouts. The 1907 Navy team also won its second consecutive victory over Army in the last game of the season. Following the 1907 season, Northcroft was elected by his fellow Midshipmen as the captain of the 1908 Navy football team.