In 1962, the Colts selected Sullivan in the third round of the NFL Draft. The American Football League's Los Angeles Chargers also drafted him in the AFL draft.[2] He chose the Colts, signing for $9,500 and then played backup offensive lineman for his first two years. He played for the team from 1962 to 1972 and missed only two games with injuries. His highest annual salary was $47,000.[2] He was mentored by Colts Pro Football Hall of Fame player Art Donovan, who had also gone to Boston College, and treated Sullivan like an adopted son. During his Colts career, Sullivan played every offensive line position, and the team's record was 104-45-5.[3]
Sullivan worked for the Mrs. Filbert's food company in Baltimore from 1966 to 1978, before and after his playing days, rising to national sales manager.[6] Sullivan also worked for Eastern Sales and Marketing, run by his college linemate John Buckley, where he became a senior vice president in charge of corporate sales and marketing. After retiring, he remained close friends with Colts legendary hall of fame quarterback Johnny Unitas.[2] One of Sullivan's keepsakes is a photo of Unitas and Sullivan's daughter Julie, who has Down syndrome, laughing arm-in-arm.[3]
References
^ ab"Dan Sullivan". Pro Football Reference. Retrieved March 18, 2020.
