Don
Fitzgerald's grid career began to take off as a senior at Ambridge
High School. A dependable backup for two years, he had a very strong
senior year earning All County status as a punishing runner. A lot
of schools noticed and were after Don, who also had an extremely
good track and field career with the Bridgers, but he eventually
directed his talents to Kent State University. Don's KSU
career reads like a virtual storybook. He was the leading rusher on
an undefeated freshman team, which has been called the school’s best
ever. As a sophomore Don was hurt and missed over half the season
but entered the starting lineup upon his return. In his junior
season with the Golden Flashes, Don led the nation in rushing for
most of the season, only to be edged out in the final game. But his
season total of 1245 yards finished second in the NCAA, and Don set
national records for carries in a game (47) and a season (296).
Don also broke the Mid American Conference record for yards gained
and was named All Conference. A preseason All American as a senior,
Don had a lingering hamstring pull that limited his effectiveness,
but he still gained 891 yards and was again named All Conference. Known
as “the Human Hammer” and “Fitz the Blitz”, Don was called “the best
big man in the country inside the ten-yard line” by one NFL scout.
Drafted in the fourth round by St Louis, Don was eventually signed
by the Atlanta Falcons where he played for two years, and then
for the Detroit Lions for a year. Don was inducted into the Kent
State Hall of Fame in 1986, holding records at the time of his
graduation for season and career rushing totals. Don also served as
president of the Dallas NFL Alumni Association.
Don
Fitzgerald's grid career began to take off as a senior at Ambridge
High School. A dependable backup for two years, he had a very strong
senior year earning All County status as a punishing runner. A lot
of schools noticed and were after Don, who also had an extremely
good track and field career with the Bridgers, but he eventually
directed his talents to Kent State University. Don's KSU
career reads like a virtual storybook. He was the leading rusher on
an undefeated freshman team, which has been called the school’s best
ever. As a sophomore Don was hurt and missed over half the season
but entered the starting lineup upon his return. In his junior
season with the Golden Flashes, Don led the nation in rushing for
most of the season, only to be edged out in the final game. But his
season total of 1245 yards finished second in the NCAA, and Don set
national records for carries in a game (47) and a season (296).
Don also broke the Mid American Conference record for yards gained
and was named All Conference. A preseason All American as a senior,
Don had a lingering hamstring pull that limited his effectiveness,
but he still gained 891 yards and was again named All Conference. Known
as “the Human Hammer” and “Fitz the Blitz”, Don was called “the best
big man in the country inside the ten-yard line” by one NFL scout.
Drafted in the fourth round by St Louis, Don was eventually signed
by the Atlanta Falcons where he played for two years, and then
for the Detroit Lions for a year. Don was inducted into the Kent
State Hall of Fame in 1986, holding records at the time of his
graduation for season and career rushing totals. Don also served as
president of the Dallas NFL Alumni Association.