I discovered today that one of my
childhood heroes —Artie Donovan of The 1958 World Champion Baltimore Colts—passed away yesterday at
age 89, so anything I might write about myself or my activities falls well
short in substance and importance, in comparison to that great man.
Art
Donovan played Defensive Tackle for the Colts in the 50s and 60s. And he was a
character; larger than life itself, and beloved by all. He was a regular guy, and
played football before the sport made instant millionaires out of kids today,
turning them into prima donnas that donned fancy football uniforms and squeal
because someone actually tackled them. He
didn’t celebrate sacks or tackles or showboat for his play on the field, dismissing
the Hollywood crap that today’s players love to indulge in to draw attention to
themselves. He just did his job and played the game the way it was meant to be
played; hard-nosed, and without complaint.
The radio and TV stations were
abuzz with stories and Donovan colloquialisms all through my ride into work,
and although I never met the man, he was like the uncle that came to your house twice a year and sneaked you a beer when your mother wasn't looking. He had too much of the kind of fun that was frowned upon in those days. That's why I feel like I've known him for years. I would be hard pressed to attempt my own faulty remembrances of so long ago, so instead
of that, I have elected to allow anyone and everyone reading this blog to
experience Artie for themselves though the magic in the internet.
Rest well, Artie. We will all miss you.
Tell it like it is, Artie.... Like it is.
And good night.
And good night.
Although I am not a Colts fan, my dad was and he told me about him. Yes, maybe the 'prima donna's" of the NFL today need to look back and see what it was REALLY like to play football, which is totally different than what they are playing today.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sandra.
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