Art Donovan, 1925-2013

Hall of Famers Published on : 8/5/2013
Pro Football Hall of Fame Defensive Tackle Art Donovan died today in Baltimore, Md. at the age of 88.

Donovan, a member of the Class of 1968, starred for 12 seasons in the National Football League, most notably with the Baltimore Colts

“The Pro Football Hall of Fame is saddened to learn of the passing of Baltimore Colts great Art Donovan,” commented Pro Football Hall of Fame President/Executive Director Steve Perry. “Art was a true legend of professional football and he will be deeply missed.”

Donovan became the first Colt inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame when he was enshrined in 1968. He began his NFL career as a 26-year-old rookie in 1950 when he joined the now defunct Baltimore Colts, who folded after one season in the NFL. After brief stints with the New York Yanks and the Dallas Texans in 1951 and 1952, Donovan returned to Baltimore and signed with a new Colts franchise and became a vital part of their climb to powerhouse status in the 1950s.

In all, he was elected to five Pro Bowls during his stellar career and was selected All-NFL five consecutive years 1954 through 1958.

View photos from Donovan's career

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NFL.com: Art Donovan, Baltimore Colts legend, dies at 88