Michael Donald Healy (August 28, 1936 – April 2, 2020) was an American football defensive tackle in the National Football League (NFL) for the Chicago Bears and Dallas Cowboys. He also was a member of the Buffalo Bills in the American Football League (AFL). He played college football at the University of Maryland.

Don Healy
No. 60, 62, 78, 75
Position:Defensive tackle
Personal information
Born:(1936-08-28)August 28, 1936
Rome, New York, U.S.
Died:April 2, 2020(2020-04-02) (aged 83)
Naples, Florida, U.S.
Height:6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight:259 lb (117 kg)
Career information
High school:Rome Free Academy (NY)
College:Maryland
NFL draft:1958 / round: 3 / pick: 37
Career history
Career NFL statistics
Games played:51
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Early years

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Healy attended Rome Free Academy, where he received honorable-mention All-state honors in football. He also practiced baseball and hockey.

He accepted a football scholarship from the University of Maryland. He played as a two-way tackle and was a three-year starter.

He was a part of the 1958 College All Star team that defeated the 1957 NFL Champion Detroit Lions.[1] His teammates included Alex Karras, Ray Nitschke and Chuck Howley. He also took part in the Senior Bowl and the East–West Shrine Game.

Professional career

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Chicago Bears

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Healy was selected by the Chicago Bears in the third round (37th overall) of the 1958 NFL draft. He played two seasons and was a backup offensive guard.

Dallas Cowboys

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He was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the 1960 NFL Expansion Draft,[2] becoming the first starter at left defensive tackle in franchise history. He holds the single-season Cowboys record for fumble recoveries (5 in 1961), established when the regular season was 14 games long. He was released on September 7, 1962.[3]

Buffalo Bills

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In 1962, he played for the Buffalo Bills of the American Football League.

Personal life

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He died on April 2, 2020, in Naples, Florida, at age 83.[4]

References

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  1. ^ "All-Stars Upset Lions, 35-19". Retrieved February 3, 2018.
  2. ^ "Rangers Tab 33 Gridders". March 17, 1960. Retrieved February 3, 2018.
  3. ^ "Los Angeles Rams Trade Two to Dallas". Retrieved February 3, 2018.
  4. ^ "Tribute for Michael Donald Healy". Fullernaples.com. Retrieved November 17, 2020.