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Don Doll Obituary
The Lions said Tuesday that Doll died last Wednesday in San Juan Capistrano, Calif. The team didn't announce a cause of death.
The team said Doll had at least 10 interceptions in three seasons, the only NFL player to accomplish that feat.
Doll played safety for the Lions from 1949-52, and he intercepted four passes in one game against the Chicago Cardinals as a rookie in 1949. He also played one season each with the Washington Redskins and Los Angeles Rams.
He was a four-time Pro Bowl selection, and was named the MVP of the game in 1953.
Doll returned to the Lions as a coach from 1963-64 and again from 1978-88.
He was a four-year letterman playing halfback at Southern California, where he played in the 1945 Rose Bowl when the Trojans beat Tennessee and again in 1949 when they lost to Michigan.
Doll led the Trojans in rushing in 1944, '47 and '48. He ran for 1,067 career yards and led the team in receptions and scoring in '48.
Doll missed the 1945 season while serving in the Marines. The school said he was aboard the USS Missouri when the Japanese signed surrender papers on the ship to end World War II.
He was an assistant coach at Washington in 1955, and served in the same capacity at USC in 1957 and '58.
Doll is survived by his wife, Diana; children Steven, Wendy, Kevan, Heidi and Michael; six grandchildren; and one great grandchild.
Copyright © 2010 The Associated Press
17 Entries
Jeff Vivona
October 29, 2010
To the Doll family, I didnt get to know your father as well as I have gotten to know the rest of the family. That being said, I can honestly say he was a truly gifted man. Being surrounded by such caring, loving people. No dought in my mind his greatest accomplishment was his family.
The last impression Don left on me was my wrinkled hand, glad I got it back in one piece, nice grip Don. R.I.P.
Cloyce Boxs' 4 sons: Don D Box, Gary D Box, Thomas D and Douglas D Box
Douglas "D" Box
October 3, 2010
My condolences to the Doll Family: I am Douglas D Box. My father was Cloyce Box who was a Lions teammate of Don's. My oldest brother, Don D Box, was named after Don Doll. My 3 brothers and I (see photo) all carry the middle initial 'D' in honor of this great man, for whom we all have tremendous admiration and respect. Doug Box
sherquetta ingram
October 3, 2010
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
October 2, 2010
To the Family of Don Doll,
Deeply sorry for the loss of such a talented player, and great coach like Mr.Doll.
Find comfort from the thought at Psalms 34:18-"God is near to those broken at heart..."
The Grant Family
How you can show support
irma liberty
October 1, 2010
I still remember the name, Don Doll, whose jersey and trophies were in a case at our high school, Grant Union High School, Del Paso Hts, Calif (near Sacramento0. He was a big hero to entering freshmen who never even met him.
Angelo Dabiero
September 30, 2010
Coach Doll was more to me than a football coach @ the U. of Notre Dame. He taught me how to respect the game of football and the true meaning of committment, discipline, dedidcation and knowledge that I carried over into my life. You could confide in him and know it would stay just between the 2 of us. My last memory of Coach was after ND's year-ending game @ Duke when we both knelt and cried not only because we lost the game, but because our player-coach relationship had come to an end. With respect & admiration,
September 30, 2010
To the Doll family,
My prayers are with you during this difficult time. Remember that "God is near to those that are broken at heart". Psalm 34:18
Marilynn
September 29, 2010
I offer my sincere condolonces to the family of Mr. Doll. May your precious memories and the Father of tender mericies and the God of all comfort ease the pain of yhour greif.-Isaiah 61:2
September 29, 2010
Many of us don't even remember who this man is because we're too young. But he meant a lot to someone. Our thoughts surely go out to the family.
Losing someone in death is incredibly hard to deal with. No matter how many times it happens, dealing with death is never an easy thing.
Victoria`Andrew
September 29, 2010
our condolences
to one great
Sports Icon
thanks
for the memories
GodBless you..
Don~restn`peace~
September 29, 2010
I wish to express my condolences to the family of Don Doll
Tom Murphy
North Side, Pittsburgh, PA
Bob & Cathy Canty
September 29, 2010
As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.
September 29, 2010
Floyd Zeebrun and Family Jowlett, Mo.
Debbie Swiss
September 29, 2010
Tom and Debbie Swiss send their prayers and love to the Doll family. Don was a wonderful addition to our family when he was with us waiting for his family to join him when he started with the BALTIMORE COLTS. Always a smile and his family was first. I remember the house you lived in in Cockeysville and the great children. Plus the great gift you sent us when we moved to our first and only house we still use it and think of you when we do. Please know that you will be with us in our prayers. Tom and Debbie Swiss Baltimore
September 28, 2010
God Bless Don!!!
Newton
September 28, 2010
To the Doll family, sorry for your loss, may GOD give you his PEACE, STRENGTH, and LOVE in this time of sorrow. May he R.I.P
R Golay
September 28, 2010
To the the family of Don Doll - May God give you peace and comfort through his word and the Lord Jesus Christ during this time of sorrow, I know that Don will be missed by many. Another sport great gone.
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