College football and NFL fans alike are taking to social media to voice their feelings on the death of former Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Rams player David Pivec.
Pivec passed away at 80-years-old after an extremely successful post-football business career. Pivec died at his home in Maryland due to dementia complications.
David Pivec earned his legendary status with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish
![Fans Saddened by Death of Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Denver Broncos Legend 1 david pivec notre dame fighting irish](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/USATSI_7586324_168400517_lowres-scaled-e1716431602779.jpg)
David Pivec reached legend status when he contributed to the 1964 National Championship-winning Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team.
His former Notre Dame teammate, Robert Papa, explained the type of player Pivec was when he was with the Fighting Irish in an article from the Baltimore Sun.
“Dave was such a great ballplayer and a really good guy,” said Papa. “He was aggressive, tough and a well-liked guy, and he was big. He was 6 feet, 3 inches and weighed 240 pounds, which was typical in those days for a player, and he could catch anything.
“He was unstoppable on the field and I remember during a kickoff when he banged heads with another player and you could hear it throughout the stadium,” Mr. Papa said.
David Pivec made a name for himself outside of his time with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Denver Broncos and Los Angeles Rams
![Fans Saddened by Death of Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Denver Broncos Legend 2 notre dame fighting irish david pivec](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/USATSI_18138735_168400517_lowres-scaled-e1716432031107.jpg)
After winning a national championship with Notre Dame, Pivec was drafted by the Chicago Bears. He was immediately traded to the Los Angeles Rams.
He played for the Rams for three years before finishing his career with the Denver Broncos. Pivec contributed minimally in the NFL with just 14 receptions, 146 receiving yards and one touchdown in the 45 games played throughout his NFL career.
After his career, Pivec got a job in advertising at CBS Records in Los Angeles before taking a job at an ad firm in Minnesota. He parlayed that into the beginning of his own advertising company, Pivec Advertising Ltd., which is no 186 Advertising. He represented 170 Toyota dealerships.
“He had tenacity on the football field and in business. He never let play get in the way of work, and no matter what you may have done the night before, he always said, ‘You show up for tee time,’” his son said.
He later owned a restaurant, Coutney’s Restaurant, as well as Piv’s Pub while owning his own advertising firm. He was a known philanthropist who often contributed to many children-centered charities.
“I want to make money because life is not a charity affair,” he told The Sun. “But when you have lots of money what does it really mean? Comfort? Status? Security? I do what I do because I like to see children smile.”
Fans took to social media to express how they felt about the death of David Pivec
![Fans Saddened by Death of Notre Dame Fighting Irish, Denver Broncos Legend 3 Notre Dame will have a great opportunity to host college football playoff games.](https://gridironheroics.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/USATSI_19467295_168400517_lowres-scaled-e1709140179437.jpg)
Pivec’s era was long ago, but there were still some fans who took to social media to express their condolences for the passing of Pivec.
Former Ottawa Rough Rider TE Dave Pivec has passed away. Pivec played @TorontoArgos 1964-65, LA Rams 1967-68, @Broncos 1969, Ottawa 1970-71. @CFL_Alumni @cflOttawaAlumni My condolences to Dave’s family, friends and teammates. Photos: Ted Grant https://t.co/x4QfHOjJk5 pic.twitter.com/L7dFvda1Qy
— Scott Grant Photography (@quickshutterguy) May 15, 2024
Hmm @golic ‘s dad was in the CFL, I’m guessing around this period. Wonder if he knew this gentleman. Also condolences and peace to Dave’s loved ones. 🙏
— Old Ben M (@GooGooLuck) May 15, 2024
Dave Pivec passed away yesterday. A tremendous 3 sport athlete at Patterson HS, he went to Notre Dame then went on to play in both the old AFL & NFL. Also was a huge support supporter of local HS & college athletics and owned the Bayhawks of the MLS. He will be missed.
— Keith Mills (@KeithMills1090) May 15, 2024
According to the article from the Baltimore Sun, Pivec is survived by many on top of his wife and son.
In addition to his wife of 50 years and son, Mr. Pivec is survived by another son, Todd Pivec, of Jessup; three daughters, Courtney Pivec, of Timonium, Robynne Quinn, of Jensen Beach, Florida, and Heather Pivec, of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; 13 grandchildren; and a great-grandson.
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