Tom Donchez
American football player (1952–2024)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Tom Donchez (March 10, 1952 – August 28, 2024) was an American football running back. He was drafted in the fourth round with the 102nd overall pickby the Buffalo Bills in the 1975 NFL Draft.[1] He was cut and picked up by the Chicago Bears, appearing in 14 games in 1975, mostly on special teams.[2][3]
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, U.S.
| No. 36 | |
|---|---|
| Position | Running back |
| Personal information | |
| Born | March 10, 1952 Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Died | August 28, 2024 (aged 72) |
| Listed height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Listed weight | 216 lb (98 kg) |
| Career information | |
| High school | Bethlehem (PA) Liberty |
| College | Penn State |
| NFL draft | 1975: 4th round, 102nd overall pick |
| Career history | |
| |
* Offseason or practice squad member only | |
| Awards and highlights | |
| |
| Stats at Pro Football Reference | |
Early life and career
Donchez was born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania on March 10, 1952, to a single mother, Helen Donchez. He graduated from Liberty High School before going on to play college football at Penn State University where he met his wife Sheela.[4]
Donchez played fullback for Penn State from 1970 to 1974 rushing for 1,422 career yards including 880 yards in 1974, when he had four 100-yard games.[5] The highlight of his sports career was rushing for three touchdowns against Ohio University in 1974, with Penn State's 35-16 win being their 500th total win in school history.[5]
After graduation he moved back to his hometown of Bethlehem and worked at Air Products for 35 years, while also earning an MBA from Lehigh University.[5][4] Donchez helped found Penn State's Letterman's club, and served on the Bethlehem Catholic High School board of trustees.[4][5]
