Professional Football Player. For twelve seasons (1951 to 1962), he played as a defensive end and defensive tackle in the National and American Football Leagues with the Chicago Cardinals, Baltimore Colts, Minnesota Vikings and Denver Broncos. Born Donald Gilbert Joyce, he attended Steubenville High School and played collegiate football at Tulane University, with whom he was a participant in the Senior Bowl game in 1951. Selected by the Cardinals during the 2nd round of the 1951 NFL Draft, he appeared in 135 regular season games. While with Baltimore, along with Gino Marchetti and Gene Lipscomb, Joyce was a component of what may perhaps be one of the greatest defensive lines in NFL history. They contributed significantly to two consecutive Colts world Championships (1958 and 1959), including the 1958 NFL title game referred to as the "Greatest Game Ever Played". Individually, Joyce earned Pro Bowl honors in 1958. He moved on to the Vikings and was a member of Minnesota's roster during the debut season in 1961. Throughout his career, he had the reputation as being one of the league's most brutal players. Following football, he served as a high school teacher and coach in Minnesota and later returned to the NFL as a longtime scout.
Professional Football Player. For twelve seasons (1951 to 1962), he played as a defensive end and defensive tackle in the National and American Football Leagues with the Chicago Cardinals, Baltimore Colts, Minnesota Vikings and Denver Broncos. Born Donald Gilbert Joyce, he attended Steubenville High School and played collegiate football at Tulane University, with whom he was a participant in the Senior Bowl game in 1951. Selected by the Cardinals during the 2nd round of the 1951 NFL Draft, he appeared in 135 regular season games. While with Baltimore, along with Gino Marchetti and Gene Lipscomb, Joyce was a component of what may perhaps be one of the greatest defensive lines in NFL history. They contributed significantly to two consecutive Colts world Championships (1958 and 1959), including the 1958 NFL title game referred to as the "Greatest Game Ever Played". Individually, Joyce earned Pro Bowl honors in 1958. He moved on to the Vikings and was a member of Minnesota's roster during the debut season in 1961. Throughout his career, he had the reputation as being one of the league's most brutal players. Following football, he served as a high school teacher and coach in Minnesota and later returned to the NFL as a longtime scout.
Bio by: C.S.
Advertisement
