The football world lost a legend over the weekend as former Baltimore Colts defensive tackle Art Donovan passed away at age 89. Most younger NFL fans don’t know that name and Donovan was modest about his incredible play on the field that didn’t go unnoticed. Donovan was the first pure defensive lineman to be inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1968 after an illustrious career with the Colts, which included back-to-back NFL Championships in 1958 and ’59.
Donovan was part of that magical ’58 title bout, which many deem as the greatest game ever played in the history of sports. But even given the magnitude of that contest, it was nothing compared to Donovan’s entertaining personality.
The New York native was a favorite on late-night talk shows and once while promoting his autobiography on the air, Donovan told David Letterman that he hadn’t read the book, but he knew most of the stories. The book included a passage regarding Donovan’s nickname: Fatso, which is also in the title. Donovan joked about his weight problems by saying he was a light eater — he never started eating until it was light.
Donovan was extremely talented, but he was also the epitome of a blue-collar player; he’s the type of legend that often goes overlooked but without class acts like Art, we wouldn’t have the NFL as we know it today.
Art Donovan: lovable military and NFL veteran and hero. He’ll be missed.
