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A former NFL player who quit football to become an orthopedic surgeon has died at the age of 73, according to a newly-published obituary.
Dave Gallagher began his playing career with the Bears in 1974 and suited up for the Giants from 1975-76.
However, the defensive lineman stepped away from the sport following his stint in New York to enter medical school at his alma mater, the University of Michigan, and embark on a career as a surgeon.
Gallagher briefly returned to the sport from 1978-79 with the Lions, but practiced medicine 'for many years' in Columbus, Indiana, the obituary said.
A cause of death has not been disclosed for Gallagher, who passed away on January 2 according to the obituary.
It appears the obituary was not posted until August 4, and a graveside service is scheduled for August 19.
Defensive end Dave Gallagher is seen with the Chicago Bears during the 1974 season
Gallagher is survived by his ex-wife Carole, daughter, Bryn, sons, Pat and Drew, grandchildren and brother, John.
Prior to his NFL career, Gallagher blossomed into an All-American at Michigan, and also was recognized as an Academic All-Big Ten member on three occasions.
He was ultimately selected in the first round of the 1974 NFL Draft by the Bears, where he spent one season before he was traded to the Giants.
From there, things eventually turned south as Gallagher was benched by in New York - prompting his move into medicine.
His father was a doctor, and Gallagher admitted in 1977 that 'pro football was always a means to an end.
'1 still don't accept my benching,' he told the New York Times. 'I still don't know if I'm walking away from it, not facing up to it. But I do know that I never wanted to be a marginal player. There are better things to do.'
In fact, Gallagher reportedly had it written into his Bears contract that the team would pay for two semesters of medical school for every season (up to four) that he played in the league.
'I don't regret having played pro football,' he said. 'I've lived in two of the bigger cities of the world, made a lot of friends, am financially well off and medical school is just about paid for.'
He ultimately retired from football at the age of 27 following two seasons with the Lions, before moving his family to Indiana.
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