James Edward Blair (August 5, 1871 – March 8, 1913) was an American football player and coach and physician.
He was a charter member of the Burlington Elks Lodge and was a thirty-second degree Mason.
However, his major claim to fame came when a scheduling conflict led to his being replaced by John Brallier, who became the first openly professional football player.
Latrobe manager David Berry, who was now seeking a replacement for Blair, had heard of Brallier's performance as the Indiana Normal quarterback and signed him to play in the game for $10 plus expenses.
[1] Blair served as the head football coach at Sewanee: The University of the South in 1896.