#135 – Dave Costa
It is being reported by his son, Doug, that former Raiders, Bills, Broncos and Chargers defensive lineman, Dave Costa, passed away Monday, May 20, after a battle with leukemia. He was 71 years old.
Former Raider and Bronco Dave Costa Passes Away
About the Author: Todd Tobias
Todd Tobias's interest in the American Football League began in 1998, when he wrote his master's thesis about Sid Gillman. He created this site to educate and entertain football fans with the stories of the American Football League, 1960-1969. You can follow Todd and get more AFL history on Twitter @TalesfromtheAFL.
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Tood,
Dave also finished his career here in San Diego when he played for the Chargers. He was and interesting guy.
Hey Bob, yes, you’re right. I had only listed his AFL teams, but should have added the Chargers also.
I hope you are well!
Bob’s comments are somewhat understated for a person who was so intimately involved in the Chargers’ operation, as Bob was in those days. Costa played here during a, ah, most interesting period in Chargers history.
Dave Costa had a very interesting and colorful career. What I remember Dave most for was a photo from a 1969 Jet-Bronco game. Joe Namath is flying backward after Costa planted his helmet in Namath’s chest. Life magazine named it the sports photo of the year for 1969. Namath had his breath knocked out of him and said it was the hardest he was hit during his career.
I remember that picture & how Costa really came on as a DT starting in 1967… he was as good any AFL DT, right there with Buchanan, Keating, Sestak and Dunaway & Hunt and Antwine, et al. What AFL offensive lineman could not, ilness did, stilling Dave, may he R.I.P.
With Costa’s passing one more yesterdays’s heroes is gone… the march of time confirms he will not be the last. I was looking for some old video of Costa & the Broncos on the internet/YouTube and failed to find any. What I found was not what I was looking for: it is a story being repeated via numerous former players.
To wit, more evidence perhaps the repercussions of concussions as it were, by way some sad news about former Chiefs WR Otis Taylor…
http://nflconcussionlitigation.com/?p=1336
Watch this video… is #89 a Hall of Fame WR?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_o6AdYycvE
I got to know Dave and Ruth during their many trips to Maui. I’m sorry to hear of his passing, he was a great guy, lots of fun to hang out with, always laughing, always enjoying life. RIP Dave, I’m glad I got to know you.
Can you contact me at paul651@verizon.net. I may have something you are interested in.
We currently live in the house Dave and his family lived in while playing for
the Broncos,during the late 60’s….Many of the neighbors knew him well and spoke
highly of him….I had always hoped he would stop by for a visit..I would
have liked to have known more about him….
Jeff Ehlers
Jeff
I hope you are talking about the house on Center.Everytime I go to see friends up there I still love to drive by that house.Stan Jones The defensive line coach and his family lived 4-5 houses down.Lots of great memories.
doug
sorry to hear about the passing of your dad
doug
Please contact me at paul651@verizon.net
Can you contact me at paul651@verizon.net. I may have something you are interested in.
My father was good friends with Davey’s sister and her husband (Uncle Richie and Aunt Delores).
The Costa brothers were characters…great guys…them, Aunt Delores, Carol and their mom had the most infectious laughs and we always had a good time when they were around.
A football player in the truest sense…the pioneer for today’s players.
I will always remember that hit on Namath and proudly saying ‘I know that guy’
Condolences from the Melniks
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