Art Donovan
Inducted:
1968
Player Stats
6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
263 lb (119 kg)
Born:
June 5, 1924
The Bronx, New York, U.S.
Died:
August 4, 2013
Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
Position:
Defensive tackle
College:
Notre Dame
Boston College
Art Donovan was one of the NFL’s toughest and most colorful defensive linemen, known for both his play and personality. A cornerstone of the Baltimore Colts’ dominant defenses of the 1950s, Donovan was relentless at the line of scrimmage, combining power, quickness, and grit. He helped lead the Colts to back-to-back NFL Championships in 1958 and 1959 and earned five consecutive Pro Bowl selections.
Known as “The Bulldog,” he was the first Colts player inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Donovan also served with distinction in World War II before his football career, which only added to his legend. After retiring, he became a fan favorite for his humorous storytelling and appearances on television, bringing old-school football toughness to life.
He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1968 and remains one of the game's most beloved linemen.
Donovan's Awards and Honors
- 2× NFL champion (1958, 1959)
- 4× First-team All-Pro (1954–1957)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (1958, 1960)
- 5× Pro Bowl (1953–1957)
- NFL 1950s All-Decade Team
- Baltimore Ravens Ring of Honor
- Indianapolis Colts No. 70 retired
- Boston College Eagles Jersey retired
NFL Records
- First Baltimore Colts player inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame
- Played in the 1958 NFL Championship Game
- First Hall of Famer to gain widespread fame for storytelling and media appearances
- Known for incredible football IQ
NFL Teams
Baltimore Colts (1950)
New York Yanks (1951)
Dallas Texans (1952)
Baltimore Colts (1953–1961)