NY Giants Icon Dead at 73

Former New York Giant Dave Gallagher, who made the unforgettable journey from lineman to orthopedic surgeon later in his career, has died.

He was 73.

Gallagher died at his home in Columbus, Ind., on January 20, according to an online obituary published on August 4. No cause of death was announced.

Gallagher joined the Giants in time for their 1975 and 1976 seasons. However, he soon became discontented with sitting on the bench and returned to his alma mater, the University of Michigan, where he pursued a doctorate in orthopedic studies.

“To bench me, and in effect end my career, and then tell me not to take it personally, that’s stupid,” Gallagher told the New York Times in 1977.

“It wasn’t so much that I knew what a doctor did, how he cared for people when they were sick, it was just that I admired my father so much and saw the respect he got from the community,” he said.

Prior to his brief professional career, Gallagher had been an exceptional player for Michigan in the early 1970s. As a member of the Wolverines starting lineup, Gallagher helped propel his school to repeat Big Ten titles from 1971-1973.

During his collegiate career, Michigan went 40-3-1. Gallagher recorded a total of 83 tackles and was a consensus pick for the 1983 All-American Team. He was inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame in 2018.

“I narrowed down my college choices to Duke, Northwestern, and Michigan because they all had excellent medical schools,” Gallagher told NFL Player Engagement.

“Why did I choose Michigan? For one thing, it was hard in those days for anyone to say ‘No’ to Coach [Bo] Schembechler.”

Gallagher was selected by the Chicago Bears in the first round of the 1974 NFL Draft, one pick ahead of legendary wide receiver Lynn Swann, who went to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

He started in 11 games at Chicago before being traded to the Giants.

“I’m not a naturally gifted athlete,” Gallagher told the Times. “And I’ve always worked hard for what I accomplished. But at each stage of my career, I knew I had to get better. When I was going to high school from junior high, to college from high school, I knew I had to improve. That worked in high school and college.

“But in the pros, they expected No. 1 draft choices to be great right off the bat. I was never that way. I don’t think I received the coaching for me to improve.”

Gallagher blew the doors off his debut for the Giants in a winning game where he sacked Eagles quarterback Mike Boryla twice. However, a defensive overhaul moved Gallagher from left end to left tackle, a position where he was undersized and failed to succeed.

“Making a 43-man roster isn’t enough, especially on a team that’s 3‐11,” Gallagher said. “I’ve always been a very ambitious person. Being the best is important. I think if the Giants had had a good year and if I had had a great season I’d be coming back.”

Leaving football behind was always on Gallagher’s mind. His rookie contract stipulated that his team would pay for the first two semesters of medical school, the NY Post reported.

Later in life, he moved with his family to Indiana, where he became an orthopedic surgeon with the Southern Indiana Orthopedics group.

Gallagher also coached youth football when his sons began playing in fourth grade.

“I realize that when you coach for the first time, you tend to over-coach,” Gallagher said. “I found myself doodling plays on napkins, having more X’s and O’s than I had 4th grade players most of the time,” but added, “Football is a great way to mentor kids.”

He is survived by his former wife Carole, two children, five grandchildren, and a brother.