Dr. David Gallagher found out in sort of a roundabout way of his selection for the University of Michigan’s Hall of Honor.
After retiring from Southern Indiana Orthopedics in June, Gallagher started using a new e-mail and cell phone. So when representatives from the Michigan athletic department tried to reach him, they had a little trouble.
The former Wolverine football player finally found out about his induction through a friend of his wife in early September.
Gallagher was one of six former Michigan athletes honored at a banquet two weeks ago on the eve of the Wolverines’ game against Indiana University. The honorees were recognized again at halftime of the Nov. 17 game.
[sc:text-divider text-divider-title=”Story continues below gallery” ]Click here to purchase photos from this gallery
"It was a real surprise to start with," Gallagher said. "I was very honored that they chose me. It was just a real thrill. It’s been 40-plus years since I played up there, and to have them recognize me after this long time, it was a good feeling."
The Piqua, Ohio, native played defensive tackle at Michigan from 1970-73. After playing in the 1972 Rose Bowl, he was team captain in 1973 and recorded 83 tackles on his way to earning consensus first-team All-America honors and a College Athlete Top 10 Award.
A three-time Academic All-Big Ten selection, Gallagher went 40-3-1 during his four years in Ann Arbor. He was a Big Ten Medal of Honor recipient in 1974.
Gallagher was drafted 20th overall in the first round of the 1974 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears. He played six seasons in the pros with the Bears, Detroit Lions and New York Giants.
During the offseasons in his NFL career, Gallagher put himself through medical school at Michigan. After a knee injury in the final exhibition game of the 1980 season ended his football playing days, he began his medical career.
Gallagher spent 31 years as a surgeon, the first three in Richmond and the final 28 in Columbus.
"This will be our home base," Gallagher said. "We’ve really liked Columbus ever since we’ve been here."
Gallagher is featured in the 2013 Big Ten Network documentary "Tiebreaker." The film features prominent Ohio State and Michigan players from the 1973 game which ended in a tie and the controversial aftermath in which conference athletics directors voted to send the Buckeyes to the Rose Bowl.
A few players from each school met in Columbus, Ohio, to give their recollections from the game and the events that followed.
"It’s kind of nice to be recognized after all these years," Gallagher said. "Of course, that was a real controversial time. But it was nice to get together with teammates and guys from Ohio State and reminisce."
Gallagher had season tickets to Michigan games for about 40 years. He gave those up, but still watches every game on TV.
"Michigan has meant a great deal to me professionally and otherwise," he said. "I don’t miss a chance to see them play."
Now that he’s retired, Gallagher is hoping to spend more time with his kids and grandkids. He and Betty have three kids living in different parts of the country. They have four grandkids — and one on the way.
"I try to find things to do to stay busy," Gallagher said. "I visit grandkids and travel. I tell people I’m pleasantly bored most of the time."
[sc:pullout-title pullout-title=”David Gallagher” ][sc:pullout-text-begin]
Name: Dr. David Gallagher
Age: 66
High school: Piqua (Ohio)
College: Michigan
Occupation: Retired surgeon from Southern Indiana Orthopedics
Family: Wife Betty, three adult children, four grandkids
[sc:pullout-text-end]
