Art Donovan, the NFL star whose stories about his career maintained his popularity long after his election into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, died Sunday.
He was 88.
Donovan died at Stella Maris Hospice in Baltimore, according to Kevin Byrne, Senior V.P. of public and community relations for the Baltimore Ravens.
He made a name for himself as a feisty defensive tackle for the Baltimore Colts, helping the team to world championships in 1958 and 1959.
He also spent seasons with New York and Dallas in a career that lasted from 1950-1961.
The Hall of Famer was an outstanding lineman and an even better storyteller.
Long after his career was over, Donovan made a living on the talk-show circuit, weaving yarns about the NFL's good old days, "when men were, well, men."
"We lost one of the finest men and one of the greatest characters we were fortunate to meet in this community and business," Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti said.
"Baltimore is now without one of its best and someone who helped build the foundation for the tremendous popularity of football in our area."
"The world is not as bright tonight because we lost someone who could make us all smile."
R.I.P.