Tom Donchez, a Founder of Penn State's Football Letterman's Club, Dies at 72

Former Penn State Football Player and Coach

Tom Donchez, a former Penn State football player and assistant coach who helped to found the university's Football Letterman's Club, has died at the age of 72.

Donchez died on Monday, May 16, 2023, at the Mount Nittany Medical Center in State College, Pennsylvania.

A cause of death was not immediately available.

A Distinguished Football Career

Donchez was a three-year letterman at Penn State, where he played defensive back and wide receiver.

He helped the Nittany Lions to win two national championships (1968 and 1969) and three bowl games.

After graduating from Penn State in 1971, Donchez was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles.

Coaching Career and Founding of the Football Letterman's Club

Donchez played in the NFL for two seasons before returning to Penn State as an assistant coach.

He coached from 1973 to 1979 under legendary head coach Joe Paterno.

In 1978, Donchez helped to found the Penn State Football Letterman's Club.

The club is a non-profit organization that supports former Penn State football players and their families.

Donchez served as president of the club from its inception until 2002.

Post-Football Career

After leaving Penn State, Donchez worked as a sales representative for several companies.

He also served as a color commentator for Penn State football radio broadcasts.

Donchez was inducted into the Penn State Athletics Hall of Fame in 2012.