Art Donovan

Date of Birth: June 5, 1924

Zodiac Sign: Gemini

Date of Death: August 4, 2013

Biography

Arthur James Donovan Jr., widely known as Art Donovan, was an American football player and a celebrated defensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL). Born in The Bronx, New York, Donovan grew up in an athletic family; his father was a famous boxing referee. Art Donovan attended the University of Notre Dame and Boston College, where he showcased his football prowess. Donovan’s professional career began when he was drafted by the Baltimore Colts in 1950. He played for the Colts for most of his career, contributing significantly to their defense and helping them secure two NFL Championships in 1958 and 1959. Known for his humorous and larger-than-life personality, Donovan also made numerous appearances on television and radio, becoming a beloved figure off the field as well. After retiring from football, Donovan authored several books and became a popular after-dinner speaker. His unique blend of humor and storytelling made him a fixture in the sports entertainment world. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1968, cementing his legacy as one of the greats in the sport.

5 Interesting Facts about Art Donovan

1. Art Donovan served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II, fighting in the Pacific Theater.

2. He was known for his distinctive and hearty laugh, which endeared him to fans and teammates alike.

3. Donovan was nicknamed “Fatso” by his teammates, a term he embraced with good humor.

4. He authored a book titled “Fatso: Football When Men Were Really Men,” which became a bestseller.

5. Donovan appeared on popular TV shows such as “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson” and “Late Night with David Letterman,” where he shared his colorful anecdotes.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Art Donovan

1. “I’m a light eater. As soon as it’s light, I start eating.”

2. “You know, in my day, we didn’t have these fancy helmets. We had leather helmets and we liked it!”

3. “I never met a donut I didn’t like.”

4. “Some players today wouldn’t have made it out of training camp in my time.”

5. “Football was fun back then. We played for the love of the game and the camaraderie.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Art Donovan’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million, a modest sum by today’s standards but significant for his era.