Brown Indians in the ProsTwelve Saint Bonaventure football players went on to play professional football
Jack Butler (Pittsburgh) Mike Gavagan (Rochester Jeffersons) Johnny Gildea (Pittsburgh, New York Giants) Hank Goodman (Detroit) George Hays (Pittsburgh) Al Kaporch (Detroit) George Kenneally (Pottsville Maroons, Boston Bulldogs, Chicago Cardinals, Boston Braves, Philadelphia) John Ksionzyk (Los Angeles Rams) Frank LoVuolo (New York Giants) Ted Marchibroda (Pittsburgh, Chicago Cardinals) Hugo Marcolini (Brooklyn Dodgers-AAFC) George Nicksich (Pittsburgh) |
John "Jack" Butler

After a distinguished career at St. Bonaventure, including setting the ECAC pass-receiving record in 1950, Butler went on to play nine years with the Pittsburgh Steelers even though he was not drafted. He was also an All-NFL Defensive Back. After 1960 he was named the NFL's Defensive Back of the Decade for the 1950's
Jack Butler's career in the NFL began as a player in 1951. During his 9 year playing career, Jack compiled some remarkable statistics:
Jack was honored as an inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2012. He is the 4th St. Bonaventure athlete to be recognized with an election to a Pro Sports Hall of Fame. He joins Hugh Jennings and John McGraw, who are in the Baseball Hall of Fame, and Bob Lanier ’70, who is in the Basketball Hall of Fame.
A short memoriam of Jack Butler 1927-2013
Jack Butler's career in the NFL began as a player in 1951. During his 9 year playing career, Jack compiled some remarkable statistics:
- 52 Interceptions (#2 on All-Time list at retirement, #26 All-Time INT Leaders)
- 60.2% Forced Turnovers/Game - Highest All-Time
- 4 Times All-Pro / 5 Time Pro-Bowl Selection
- Led the NFL in Interceptions (10) in 1957
- NFL Team of the Decade - 1950's
- NFL 50th Anniversary All-Time Team
- Pittsburgh Steelers 50th and 75th Anniversary Teams
Jack was honored as an inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2012. He is the 4th St. Bonaventure athlete to be recognized with an election to a Pro Sports Hall of Fame. He joins Hugh Jennings and John McGraw, who are in the Baseball Hall of Fame, and Bob Lanier ’70, who is in the Basketball Hall of Fame.
A short memoriam of Jack Butler 1927-2013
Theodore "Ted" Marchibroda

Ted was the first pick of the Pittsburgh Steelers where he played for one year. In his first year with the Steelers, Ted won the quarterback position in training camp over the University of Louisville's Johnny Unitas, who was cut at the end of camp. Ted then left to serve in the army during the Korean conflict. He returned to the Steelers in 1955 and played for them until 1956, after which he finished his career in Chicago with the Cardinals in 1957.
He coached in the NFL for over 28 years. Ted coached the Washington Redskins, L.A. Rams, and he followed George Allen back to coach at Washington. He was also the head coach at Baltimore where the Colts went 41-36 in 5 seasons. His team won 3 consecutive AFC East titles. Ted later moved on to the Chicago Bears franchise, as well as Detroit and Philadelphia. He came back to western New York in 1987 when he was the quarterback coach for the Buffalo Bills. He was promoted to offensive coordinator in 1989. As the Offensive Coordinator for the Buffalo Bills, Marchibroda and QB Jim Kelly perfected the "K-Gun" offense. With this style, Kelly hurried to the line of scrimmage, preventing the defense from making substitutions. At the line, Kelly read the defense, and called audibles. Ted was the head coach for the Indianapolis Colts from 1992-1995. In 1996, Art Modell hired Ted to coach when Pro Football returned to Baltimore. Ted coached the relocated Cleveland Browns, and newly branded Baltimore Ravens from 1996-1998.
He coached in the NFL for over 28 years. Ted coached the Washington Redskins, L.A. Rams, and he followed George Allen back to coach at Washington. He was also the head coach at Baltimore where the Colts went 41-36 in 5 seasons. His team won 3 consecutive AFC East titles. Ted later moved on to the Chicago Bears franchise, as well as Detroit and Philadelphia. He came back to western New York in 1987 when he was the quarterback coach for the Buffalo Bills. He was promoted to offensive coordinator in 1989. As the Offensive Coordinator for the Buffalo Bills, Marchibroda and QB Jim Kelly perfected the "K-Gun" offense. With this style, Kelly hurried to the line of scrimmage, preventing the defense from making substitutions. At the line, Kelly read the defense, and called audibles. Ted was the head coach for the Indianapolis Colts from 1992-1995. In 1996, Art Modell hired Ted to coach when Pro Football returned to Baltimore. Ted coached the relocated Cleveland Browns, and newly branded Baltimore Ravens from 1996-1998.
George Kenneally

George followed his older brother and enrolled at St. Bonaventure, where in 1922, he began his collegiate career. During his four years there he was given 16 varsity letters, including ones for boxing, as well as being the captain of the football team.
Kenneally joined the NFL in 1926 with the Pottsville Maroons of Pottsville, Pennsylvania. After his rookie season, he was chosen as the team's captain and was also named to his first All-Pro Squad in 1927, as well as in 1928. At the close of the 1928 season the team succumbed to financial difficulties and was no longer solvent. He decided to purchase the Maroons franchise for $2,500. Kenneally then transferred the team to Boston where they became the Boston Bulldogs. Kenneally had many positions in the franchise; that of part owner, Assistant Coach, team captain and offensive end. The Bulldogs were a competitive team and would finish the season at 4-4, but the Wall Street Crash of 1929 caused the team to fold. Kennally played with several Professional Football teams before he retired at the end of the 1935 season
His 1926 rookie year contract can be seen here!
Kenneally joined the NFL in 1926 with the Pottsville Maroons of Pottsville, Pennsylvania. After his rookie season, he was chosen as the team's captain and was also named to his first All-Pro Squad in 1927, as well as in 1928. At the close of the 1928 season the team succumbed to financial difficulties and was no longer solvent. He decided to purchase the Maroons franchise for $2,500. Kenneally then transferred the team to Boston where they became the Boston Bulldogs. Kenneally had many positions in the franchise; that of part owner, Assistant Coach, team captain and offensive end. The Bulldogs were a competitive team and would finish the season at 4-4, but the Wall Street Crash of 1929 caused the team to fold. Kennally played with several Professional Football teams before he retired at the end of the 1935 season
His 1926 rookie year contract can be seen here!
Phillip Colella

Colella transferred from Notre Dame to St. Bonaventure. In 1948 he became a Co-Captain and was named to the Little All-America Team. He was inducted into the St. Bonaventure Athletic Hall of Fame in 1969.
Colella is shown here in the dark uniform.
Colella is shown here in the dark uniform.
John "Johnny" Thomas Gildea

Johnny played left halfback and was a quarterback as well when he played with St. Bonaventure. He went on to play in the NFL, where he was a quarterback with the Pittsburgh Pirates and New York Giants. in 1935, he was 3rd in the NFL in passing yards with 529 yards.
Frank LoVuolo

LoVuolo was a Co-Captain with Phil Colella in 1948. After his career at St. Bonvaventure, he was drafted by the New York Giants in the 7th round (66th overall) of the 1949 NFL Draft. In his rookie year with the Giants, Frank had two fumble recoveries for 28 yards, and a touchdown.
Clement "Clem" Woodrow Faust

Clem was a large factor in "The Dream Backfield" of 1935. In his senior year he was named as a Little All-American. He is enshrined in the Bona Athletic Hall of Fame. He was the first St. Bonaventure player to gain national recognition. Clem became a school teacher after his playing days were over. He was inducted into the St. Bonaventure Athletic Hall of Fame in 1969.
Stephen "Steve" Gilbert

Gilbert was an excellent athlete. During his stay he played three sports. He was an End, and punter, in football, played three years of Bona basketball, and was a pitcher for the baseball team.