Knowlton Lyman "Snake" Ames (May 27, 1868 – December 23, 1931) was an American football player and coach.

Playing for the Princeton Tigers, Ames was selected to the 1889 College Football All-America Team as a fullback.

After graduation, Ames became the head coach for Purdue University, where he led the Boilermakers to a 12–0 record over two years.

During an October 22 game in Cleveland, Ames and fellow player Pudge Heffelfinger were observed by the manager of the Pittsburgh Athletic Club.

Afterward Donnelly and Heffelfinger signed an agreement with the Allegheny Athletic Association, becoming the first known professional football players.

[6] Ames also served as chairman of the board of the Booth Fisheries Company and had other business interests as well.