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Dan Sullivan (American football)

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Dan Sullivan
No. 71
Position:Offensive lineman
Personal information
Born:(1939-09-01)September 1, 1939
Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
Died:April 7, 2025(2025-04-07) (aged 85)
Haverhill, Massachusetts, U.S.
Height:6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
Weight:250 lb (113 kg)
Career information
High school:Boston Technical
College:Boston College
NFL draft:1962: 3rd round, 37th pick
AFL draft:1962: 10th round, 80th pick
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Games played:140
Games started:40
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Daniel Joseph Sullivan (September 1, 1939 – April 7, 2025) was an American professional football player who was an offensive lineman for the Baltimore Colts of the National Football League (NFL) from 1962 through 1972. He played college football for the Boston College Eagles.[1] Sullivan started in two Super Bowls for the Colts, including their win in Super Bowl V.

Early life and college

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Sullivan was born on September 1, 1939, in Boston, Massachusetts, and grew up in Dorchester. He played football at Boston Technical High School.[1][2] He earned a full scholarship to Boston College, for both football and hockey. He played college football there as a starting offensive tackle, where he was considered the cornerstone of the team's offense.[2][1][3][4]

He graduated with a bachelor of science degree in business. Boston College presented Sullivan its Scanlan Award, the highest football honor which goes to a senior football player epitomizing athletic ability, leadership and scholarship. In 1976, he was inducted into the Boston College Varsity Club Hall of Fame.[2][3][4]

Professional football career

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The Colts selected Sullivan in the third round of the 1962 NFL draft with the 37th overall pick.[5] The American Football League's Los Angeles Chargers also drafted him in the AFL draft (80th overall).[6][2] He chose the Colts, signing for $9,500 and then played backup offensive lineman until he became a full-time starter in 1966, remaining a starter until his retirement.[1] He played for the team from 1962 to 1972 and missed only two games with injuries. His highest annual salary was $47,000.[2] He played under Hall of fame coaches Weeb Ewbank (1962) and Don Shula (1963-69).[7][8]

In 1967, the Colts offense led the NFL in yardage, and was second in points scored. The team's record was 11–1–2, but they missed the playoffs because of a division tie with the Los Angeles Rams.[9]

In 1968, Sullivan was named first-team All-conference by The Sporting News.[10] The Colts won the 1968 NFL championship,[11] and their offense that year was second in the NFL in scoring and fourth in total offensive yards.[12] Sullivan appeared in Super Bowl III as the starting right guard, a loss to the New York Jets.[13][2] In 1970, the Colts offense was in the top-ten in total yards and points scored.[14] The Colts won the 1970 AFC championship game over the Oakland Raiders.[15] They went on to win Super Bowl V over the Dallas Cowboys, with Sullivan as the starting right tackle.[16][2]

Sullivan was mentored early in his career by Colts Pro Football Hall of Fame player Art Donovan, who had also gone to Boston College, and treated Sullivan like an adopted son. During his Colts career, Sullivan played every offensive line position, and the team's record was 104–45–5.[17]

Post-football life

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Sullivan worked for the Mrs. Filbert's food company in Baltimore from 1966 to 1978, before and after his playing days, rising to national sales manager.[18] Sullivan also worked for Eastern Sales and Marketing, run by his college linemate John Buckley, where he became a senior vice president in charge of corporate sales and marketing. After retiring, he remained close friends with Colts legendary Hall of fame quarterback Johnny Unitas.[2][19] One of Sullivan's keepsakes is a photo of Unitas and Sullivan's daughter Julie, who has Down syndrome, laughing arm-in-arm.[17] Sullivan was an advocate for the special needs community and served on the boards of many organizations.[3]

Death

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Sullivan died on April 7, 2025, in Haverhill, Massachusetts, at the age of 85. He was a resident of Andover, Massachusetts at the time.[20] He was survived by his wife of over 60 years, Lorraine (Rabbitt) Sullivan, three children, and three grandchildren.[3]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d "Dan Sullivan". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved March 18, 2020.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h Willis, David (January 31, 2008). "Home of a champion: Super Bowl champion Sullivan enjoying life in Andover". The Andover Townsman. Retrieved October 24, 2024.
  3. ^ a b c d "Daniel J. Sullivan, Tribute". Cataudella Funeral Home.
  4. ^ a b "Dan Sullivan (1976) - Varsity Club Hall of Fame". Boston College Athletics. Retrieved April 10, 2025.
  5. ^ "1962 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved April 10, 2025.
  6. ^ "1962 AFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved April 10, 2025.
  7. ^ "Weeb Ewbank Record, Statistics, and Category Ranks". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved April 10, 2025.
  8. ^ "Don Shula Record, Statistics, and Category Ranks". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved April 10, 2025.
  9. ^ "1967 NFL Standings & Team Stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved April 10, 2025.
  10. ^ "1968 NFL All-Pros". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved April 10, 2025.
  11. ^ "Championship - Baltimore Colts at Cleveland Browns - December 29th, 1968". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved April 10, 2025.
  12. ^ "1968 NFL Standings & Team Stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved April 10, 2025.
  13. ^ "Super Bowl III". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved March 18, 2020.
  14. ^ "1970 NFL Standings & Team Stats". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved April 10, 2025.
  15. ^ "Championship - Oakland Raiders at Baltimore Colts - January 3rd, 1971". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved April 10, 2025.
  16. ^ "Super Bowl V". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved March 18, 2020.
  17. ^ a b Klingaman, Mike (May 31, 2019). "Catching Up With former Baltimore Colts lineman Dan Sullivan". Baltimore Sun.
  18. ^ Klingaman, Mike. "Unitas' former linemen still come to his defense Ex-Colts who did well feel pain for Unitas and his money woes".
  19. ^ "Johnny Unitas | Pro Football Hall of Fame | Pro Football Hall of Fame". pfhof. Retrieved April 10, 2025.
  20. ^ "Daniel J. Sullivan Obituary (2025) - Methuen, MA - Cataudella Funeral Home". Legacy.com. Retrieved April 10, 2025.
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