gold star for USAHOF

14. Art Donovan

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14. Art Donovan
If this were a list based on charisma and personality, the legendary Art Donovan would be at the top.  Known for one generation for his radio show and David Letterman appearances, another generation knew him for his excellent defensive play and “Bulldog” like tendencies.  Donovan was actually a member of the first version of the Baltimore Colts that folded in 1950, and then the New York Yanks, which folded the following year.  Coincidentally, it happened again as he signed with the Dallas Texans in 1952, which would make him the only player in NFL history to play for three teams in three years that all went out of business (though the new Baltimore Colts bought all the Texans’ assets, which was how he came to Baltimore a second time.)

That was when Donovan’s career took off as he rattled off 5 consecutive Pro Bowls and four straight First Team All-Pros.  Donovan was also a member of the back-to-back NFL Championships in the late ’50s.  He would later become a Pro Football Hall of Famer, as Canton called his name in 1968.

The Bullet Points

  • Position: Defensive End
  • Acquired: Signed prior to the 1952 season.
  • Departed: Retired after the 1961 season
  • Games Played: 104
  • Notable Statistics: 108 Games Started
    5 Fumble Recoveries
    7.0 Quarterback Sacks**
    17 Approximate Value*

    2 Playoff Games

    *Approximate Value was not a stat until the 1960 Season.
    **Sacks were unofficially calculated by Pro Football Reference from 1960 to 1981.
  • Major Accolades and Awards: NFL Championship (1958 & 1959
    First Team All-Pro (1954, 1955, 1956 & 1957)
    Second Team All-Pro (1958 & 1960)
    Pro Bowl (1953, 1954, 1955, 1956 & 1957)
Last modified on Wednesday, 20 July 2022 17:49

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