Art Donovan, vocal ex-Colts defensive tackle, dies at 89

[alp227]

Source: Baltimore Sun

Art Donovan played pro football for 12 years. The rest of his life, he spent telling everyone about it.

Donovan, 89, who died Sunday of a respiratory ailment at Stella Maris Hospice, played and talked a great game. He was a Hall of Fame defensive tackle for the Baltimore Colts and an engaging raconteur at banquets and on TV talk shows. His cherublike face, adenoidal voice and side-splitting tales of yore captivated generations of viewers who never saw Donovan collar a quarterback or take down a runner.

"Artie made a career out of telling people everything that he'd done right — and wrong — in football," said Ordell Braase, his teammate on the field and in the broadcast studio. "The diversity of his appeal was amazing. Everyone wanted to hug 'Fatso,' from young girls to little old ladies."

Donovan died just before 8 p.m., surrounded by 15 to 20 family members, said his daughter, Kelly Donovan-Mazzulli.


Read more: http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/ravens/bs-donovan-advanceobit-20130804,0,2572221,full.story

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See also this 2007 ESPN feature about Donovan and the NFL's obituary of Donovan.

[LaydeeBug]

1. heartbroken. He had a lot of heart and soul. He loved Baltimore, and Baltimore loved him nt

[Efilroft Sul]

8. Pittsburgh fan here, and I thought he was great.

Funny, funny guy. I'm in Baltimore this week and hope I hear more stories about him.

[brewens]

2. He was great. I had posted some stuff on him on FB not too long ago.

It started out with someone ripping Joe Theisman for the prostate commercials. We seem to have agreed that maybe Joe's found his niche there. I posted Artie tv spots to show what a real old-time football player was like!

[Cooley Hurd]

3. He was hilarious during his appearances on Late Night with David Letterman...

Cross gently, Art.

[KT2000]

7. Yes he was!

and he was on there many times. Dave loved him too.

[Va Lefty]

4. Very sad to hear this

We will miss you Artie!

[tularetom]

5. A jock who never took himself seriously, he was one of a kind

The world is a sadder place because he has left it.

[pamela]

6. I hope they serve Harry's hotdogs in heaven.

R.I.P. Artie. Sad news.

[malthaussen]

9. If there's a football heaven...

... you know they've got a hell of a defensive line. (Apologies to the Righteous Brothers)

-- Mal

[rtracey]

10. I worked for him

I worked for him when I was in high school (55 now)... I started at his and his wifes country club when I was 15..... the best part of working there was at the end of the day, when the events were finished, we would talk football, and as a Towson High-school General football player, I was in complete football heaven.... He has some of the coolest Baltimore Colts memories, and stories. I remember one day, we were outside, and he and I think he was late 50's, was still able to get down in defensive tackle position, and showed me a couple of quick moves, which I actually was able to use.... I fell out of touch with him, but my wife, who is a nurse would seem him in the hospital, as his health began to fail..... he was one of the best.......

[AngryAmish]

11. There goes my fantasy draft...