Former New York Giants Star Who Quit Football To Become A Surgeon Has Tragically Died

Dave Gallagher, a former NFL defensive end who quit football to become a surgeon, has passed away at the age of 73.

According to a recently published obituary, Gallagher died on January 20 this year. His cause of death is unknown.

Gallagher began his professional career with the Chicago Bears in 1974 but played for the New York Giants from 1975-76.

After his stint in New York, he walked away from football, returning to the University of Michigan to study medicine and set himself on a course to become a surgeon.

He did return to the NFL, playing a brief stint with the Detroit Lions. But, according to the obituary, he practiced medicine in Columbus, Indiana, “for many years.”

Despite his passing several months ago, the obit wasn’t published until August 4, with a graveside service to take place on August 19.

The former defensive lineman and surgeon is survived by his ex-wife, Carole, his daughter, Bryn, his sons Pat and Drew, his grandchildren, and his brother John.

Football Was A Means To An End For Dave Gallagher

Dave Gallagher starred at Michigan, where he was named an All-American and Academic All-Big Ten. The Bears drafted him in the first round in 1974 and traded him to the Giants the following year.

He was benched in New York, prompting him to pursue other endeavors.

“I still don’t accept my benching,” he told the New York Times in 1977. “I still don’t know if I’m walking away from it, not facing up to it. But I do know that I never wanted to be a marginal player. There are better things to do.”

Gallagher also admitted that football was a means to an end for him, as his father was a doctor, and he grew up admiring his profession.

It’s understood that his contract with the Bears required the team to pay for two semesters of med school, and up to four, for every season he played in the league.

“I don’t regret having played pro football,” he said. “I’ve lived in two of the bigger cities of the world, made a lot of friends, am financially well off and medical school is just about paid for.”

Gallagher retired from football at 27 after two seasons with the Lions.

TPS extends condolences to his family, friends, and loved ones.

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