Position: Defensive tackle Weight: 259 lb (117 kg) | Height: 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) Place of birth: Rome, New York Name Don Healy | |
Date of birth: (1936-08-28) August 28, 1936 (age 79) | ||
High school: Rome Free Academy (NY) | ||
Michael Donald Healy (born August 28, 1936 in Rome, New York) is a former American football defensive tackle in the National Football League for the Chicago Bears and the Dallas Cowboys. He played in the National Football League for the Buffalo Bills. He played college football for the University of Maryland.
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Early years
Healy attended Rome Free Academy, where he received honorable-mention All-state in football. He also practiced baseball and hockey.
He accepted a 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. His teammates included Alex Karras, Ray Nitschke and Chuck Howley.
Chicago Bears
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
He was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the 1960 NFL Expansion Draft, 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 season was 12 games long. He was released on September 7, 1962.
Buffalo Bills
In 1962, he played for the Buffalo Bills of the American Football League.
Personal life
Following his football career, Healy worked in sales, warehouse management and retail, owning his own automotive warehouse and parts stores throughout central Indiana. He currently lives in Naples, FL and is married to Genevieve Mary Shea. He is also a Deacon for St. Ann Catholic School in Naples Florida.