Former Giants star Dave Gallagher passes away at 73 after leaving NFL to become a surgeon | NFL News
Dave Gallagher, a former NFL player who left football to become a doctor, has died at the age of 73. He passed away at his home in Columbus, Indiana, on January 20, 2025. His obituary was shared publicly on August 4. The cause of death has not been announced. Dave Gallagher played for the New York Giants from 1975 to 1976. He had a short football career, leaving the sport to follow his dream of becoming a doctor. He later worked as an orthopedic surgeon in Indiana.
Dave Gallagher left New York Giants after being benched, returned to medical school
In the first round of the 1974 NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears selected Dave Gallagher. Following eleven matches in his debut season, he was dispatched to the New York Giants. Beginning powerfully, he twice sacked Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Mike Boryla during his first outing.But things changed quickly. In his second year with the Giants, he was moved to a new position and later benched. The Giants finished that season with a 3-11 record.Dave Gallagher was unhappy. In 1977, he told The New York Times, “To bench me, and in effect end my career, and then tell me not to take it personally, that’s stupid.”He had always wanted to be a doctor like his father. Returning to the University of Michigan, where he had studied and played college football. He picked universities with robust medical programs while in college, including Duke and Northwestern.He picked Michigan because of head coach Bo Schembechler. “It was hard to say ‘no’ to Coach Schembechler,” Gallagher once said.Also Read: Travis Kelce’s blunt retirement answer at 36 sparks fan reaction
Dave Gallagher spent his later life as a surgeon and youth coach in Indiana
After leaving the NFL in 1979 at just 27 years old, Dave Gallagher moved to Indiana. He worked as an orthopedic surgeon at Southern Indiana Orthopedics. He also coached youth football when his sons started playing. “I found myself doodling plays on napkins with more X’s and O’s than I had players,” Gallagher joked once, but he loved helping kids learn.A service will be held on August 19 to honor Dave Gallagher’s life. He is survived by his former wife Carole, his two children, five grandchildren, and his brother.
