Doug Kotar

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Douglas Allan Kotar (June 11, 1951 – December 16, 1983) was an American football running back for the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL).[1][2][3]

Early years

Raised in Muse, Pennsylvania, Kotar graduated from Canon-McMillan High School and played college football at the University of Kentucky in Lexington.[3]

Career

Unselected in the 1974 NFL draft, Kotar was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Pittsburgh Steelers.[1] Four days later, they traded him to the New York Giants (for Leo Gasienica), where he played for eight years. Linebacker Harry Carson, a teammate for six seasons, once described him as "a fighter you'd like to have with you in a foxhole."[1]

Kotar rushed for 3,380 yards (while also gaining 1,022 yards receiving) in his career, which was the fourth most in Giants history at the time of his retirement. Kotar was known for leading with his head while rushing, a fact that would come back to haunt him in later life.[4] He retired after the first day of training camp in July 1982, citing knee and shoulder pain and family reasons.

NFL career statistics

Legend
Bold Career high
Year Team Games Rushing Receiving
GP GS Att Yds Avg Lng TD Rec Yds Avg Lng TD
1974 NYG 12 7 106 396 3.7 53 4 10 57 5.7 18 0
1975 NYG 14 6 122 378 3.1 46 6 9 86 9.6 17 0
1976 NYG 14 14 185 731 4.0 24 3 36 319 8.9 30 0
1977 NYG 12 11 132 480 3.6 32 2 15 73 4.9 13 0
1978 NYG 15 5 149 625 4.2 46 1 22 225 10.2 31 1
1979 NYG 16 14 160 616 3.9 32 3 25 230 9.2 37 0
1981 NYG 7 5 46 154 3.3 18 1 9 32 3.6 11 0
90 62 900 3,380 3.8 53 20 126 1,022 8.1 37 1

Personal life

Kotar and his wife Donna had two children, Doug Jr. and Christie.[3][5]

Death

After experiencing major headaches post-retirement,[1] Kotar had a CT scan that revealed a brain tumor. He underwent invasive surgery that involved cutting into his skull, but the tumor was malignant and could not be removed. Kotar later suffered partial paralysis and was moved back to his hometown, where he received radiation treatment.

On December 16, 1983, Kotar died in his sleep at age 32.[6][7]

References

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External links

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