Donovan, a defensive tackle for the Colts, went to five straight Pro-Bowls and was part of Baltimore's championship teams in '58 and '59. The 1958 sudden-death overtime game against the NY Giants, as many Baltimore fans know, is still considered the greatest game ever played.
Prior to his professional football career, Donovan was a member of the US Marines. He served admirably in World War II. While stationed in the Pacific Theater, Donovan took part in two of the war's fiercest struggles, the Battle of Luzon and the Battle of Iwo Jima. He received several medals and was subsequently honored by being the first pro football player to be inducted into the US Marine Sports Hall of Fame.
Art was widely known around Baltimore, not only for his stellar play on the football field, but also for his unique personality. He was an old-school storyteller who always kept his audience wanting more. Speaking with a heavy Bronx accent and his trademark candor, Donovan had the ability to keep people in stitches. After the release of his book, "Fatso", he became a frequent guest on late night talk shows with the likes of David Letterman and Johnny Carson. He was the kind of guy that you would see everyone gathered around at a party.
Never a fan of the health food craze, Donovan was known to devour large quantities of burgers or hot dogs in one sitting. Chicken and turkey were no match for his beloved salami and bologna. And, of course, he would wash everything down with his favorite beer, Schlitz. One of Art's favorite "war stories" took place years ago in Guam, where he got caught stealing a 30-pound case of Spam. He was given a choice: either eat the entire 30 pounds or go to the brig. In true Art fashion, he finished the entire case of processed pork in about a week. Strangely enough, Donovan once pointed out that was actually a light eater. As he further explained, when it got light, he started eating.
Several of my friends have had interactions with Art through the years and I have never heard one negative comment about the big man. Most have told me that talking to Art was like swapping stories with a long-time friend. Most people sum up their meeting with Art by simply saying, "That guy is hysterical!"
Aside from his well-known humor, I'm also told that Art was down-to-earth and very approachable. Baltimore's legendary sportswriter, John Steadman once described him as a Santa Claus-type of guy. Not surprising, Donovan would often play Santa Claus at the Colts' annual Christmas parties.
Art Donovan's good cheer came in the form of his endless tales and robust personality. And for that, he will live in the hearts and minds of Baltimore sports fans forever.......
kw
Art was widely known around Baltimore, not only for his stellar play on the football field, but also for his unique personality. He was an old-school storyteller who always kept his audience wanting more. Speaking with a heavy Bronx accent and his trademark candor, Donovan had the ability to keep people in stitches. After the release of his book, "Fatso", he became a frequent guest on late night talk shows with the likes of David Letterman and Johnny Carson. He was the kind of guy that you would see everyone gathered around at a party.
Never a fan of the health food craze, Donovan was known to devour large quantities of burgers or hot dogs in one sitting. Chicken and turkey were no match for his beloved salami and bologna. And, of course, he would wash everything down with his favorite beer, Schlitz. One of Art's favorite "war stories" took place years ago in Guam, where he got caught stealing a 30-pound case of Spam. He was given a choice: either eat the entire 30 pounds or go to the brig. In true Art fashion, he finished the entire case of processed pork in about a week. Strangely enough, Donovan once pointed out that was actually a light eater. As he further explained, when it got light, he started eating.
Several of my friends have had interactions with Art through the years and I have never heard one negative comment about the big man. Most have told me that talking to Art was like swapping stories with a long-time friend. Most people sum up their meeting with Art by simply saying, "That guy is hysterical!"
Aside from his well-known humor, I'm also told that Art was down-to-earth and very approachable. Baltimore's legendary sportswriter, John Steadman once described him as a Santa Claus-type of guy. Not surprising, Donovan would often play Santa Claus at the Colts' annual Christmas parties.
Art Donovan's good cheer came in the form of his endless tales and robust personality. And for that, he will live in the hearts and minds of Baltimore sports fans forever.......
kw
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