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ART DONOVAN

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All-Pro defensive tackle...one of the "gentle giants" of football...the archetype of the old pro lineman...feared on the field, yet admired everywhere else for his generous and outgoing personality.

Art Donovan was born in the Bronx, attended Mt. Saint Michael High School, then served with the Marines in World War II in the Pacific. Following the war, he attended Boston College and graduated in 1950 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. He joined the Baltimore Colts of the NFL in 1951, followed the franchise when it became the Dallas Texans in 1952, then returned to Baltimore when the same franchise became the new Baltimore Colts in 1953. From 1950 to 1962, he was an outstanding defensive tackle, was chosen to play in five Pro Bowl games and was a two-time NFL Champion ('58, '59).

The Colts retired Donovan's number 70 jersey when he retired from professional football in 1960. His greatest tribute came in 1968, when he was enshrined in the NFL Hall of Fame. Boston College has also retired his jersey (1999).

Art's father, Arthur Donovan, Sr. was a famous boxing referee, who officiated many World Championship bouts. Donovan, Sr. was in the ring for most of Joe Louis' fights. Donovan's grandfather, Mike O'Donovan, was born on September 2, 1847 and was known as "Professor Mike". He was a boxer from 1866-1891, and fought twice for the World Middleweight Championship. He may have lost both of these bouts, but to quality opponents: Hall of Famer John L. Sullivan and Jack "Nonpariel" Dempsey. Both Art, Sr. and Mike O'Donovan have been inducted in to the Boxing Hall of Fame, and were the first father/son to be so honored.

Art resides in Baltimore and is the owner/manager of the Valley Country Club. As a celebrity, Donovan is an unusual mixture of talents - an encyclopedic knowledge of football (past and present) and an unmatched memory for illustrative anecdotes, combined with a great natural sense of humor and talent for story telling. He retains his Bronx inflection with an overlay of Baltimorese, but is very well-spoken in a warmly conversational style. Art's unique, powerful personality sparkles on camera.