Art's grandfather, Professor Mike O'Donovan, was the world middleweight boxing champion in 1881 following a career as a teenage Civil War soldier. For 100 years combined, Art's father and grandfather held the position of boxing instructor at the New York Athletic Club. The Professor was Teddy Roosevelt's personal boxing coach.

Art's father, Arthur Donovan, Sr., was the most famed prize fight referee in the history of the game, presiding over eight world heavyweight championships and being the only referee inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame.

Art Donovan graduated Boston College in 1950 and played professional football with the NFL from 1950 to 1963. During his pro football years, Art Donovan was one of the true "Gentle Giants"--feared on the field, but admired everywhere else for his generous and outgoing personality. For more than a decade, the defensive tackle was unstoppable. On the field, his 265 pounds and 6'2" stature frightened the opposition off the field, however, his smile and jovial nature attracted thousands of fans.

Art Donovan joined the National Football League's Baltimore Colts in 1950. The team moved in 1951 to become the New York Yanks and relocated again in 1952 to become the Dallas Texans. The team returned "home" in 1953 as the Baltimore Colts.

During his 12-year tenure in the pros, Art Donovan was named Outstanding Defensive Tackle. Between 1953 and 1957, he was chosen to play in five pro games plus the World Championships in 1958 and 1959. Memories of Art in the "greatest game ever played," the Baltimore Colts vs. the New York Giants in 1958, will never be forgotten.

In 1962, the Colts retired Art's uniform number "70" when he departed from pro football. Five years later, he became the first Baltimore Colt to receive the sport's grandest honor--membership in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Art's autobiography, Fatso, was published in 1987.

A man of many talents, Art Donovan has made numerous television appearances on Late Night With David Letterman, The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, and The Joan Rivers Show. He's also been in TV and radio commercials for a car dealership, a sporting goods store, the Maryland State Lottery and many others. Art made cameo appearances in the movies Two For The Money and The Last Boy Scout.

During football season, Art Donovan co hosts and does commentaries for local radio and TV shows, including the weekly Braase, Donovan and Fans, on an ABC affiliate station. In 2006, he was inducted into the Bronx Hall of Fame and in September 2007, there was a "Salute to Artie Banquet" with 1500 guests. On August 1, 2008, he will be honored at the NFL football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio for being inducted 40 years ago.

Today, Art Donovan still lives in Baltimore where he and his wife Dottie own and manage a country club. They have been married for more than 35 years and have five children.

Football, Athlete, Sports