Fatso: Football When Men Were Really Men

Reading his book reminds me just why I loved the game back then and detest it now. This is a down-to-earth, humble and geniune person who just happened to play football back in the 50's. Not these self-absorbed, spoiled and boorish jackholes of today. If you want to take a trip back in time and understand why many of us are "old school", you'll want to read this. Artie rules!!

Fatso is one of the most enjoyable books I've ever read. It will never be confused with fine writing, but if you like football, sports, or just a good laugh, you'll like it. Art Donovan was ending his pro football career about the time that I first got interested in the sport as a kid, in the mid 1960s. So many of the characters were familiar to me: Weeb Eubank, Johnny Unitas, and Don Shula, to name a few. But I never saw or heard of Donovan until one night when he was on the David Letterman show in the early 1990s. Here was this huge guy with a thick New York accent, telling some of the funniest stories I'd ever heard. He really should have started a career as a stand-up comic after retiring from football. The book is jammed with colorful stories about life on and off the football field, in training camps, practices, during games and after curfews. Lots of alcohol was consumed, many punches were thrown, and practical jokes were frequent. My favorite story is about an eating contest between several Baltimore Colts that ends with one putting saccharine in his tea because he was watching his weight. If you were an NFL fan during the 50s, 60s, or early 70s, you're going to love it.

This is one of the best sports books I've ever read. I believeeven non-sports fans would enjoy Arthur Donovan's life story.If you are looking for a quick read, something to pass the timeon an airplane flight, or if you just like reading colorful stories of a time past this is the book for you.

Art Donovan was the best defensive tackle ever to play football, and his story of life in the NFL is fascinating and entertaining. Never one to mince words, Art freely expresses his views, particularly on the state of the modern-day NFL; in fact, his candidness brought about the end of his stint as a sportscaster, when he told a national audience what he thought of Bob Hayes' failure to stand for the playing of the national anthem. His wonderful sense of humor and keen insights into both human nature and professional football have made him a popular guest on the talk-show circuit, and give this book an irresistible appeal. There is a wealth of hilarious anecdotes and observations, and any reader would be hard-pressed to avoid laughing at them. Art Donovan is not only a great athlete - he is also a great man, and this book deserves to be read and appreciated. In fact, one need not be a football fan to enjoy this wonderful book. Way to go, Art!

This book is several years old; however, I reread it a couple times a year for the laughs! These old NFL stories are too funny! Do yourself a favor some evening: curl up with this book and prepare to laugh...wish Donovan would write another.