University of Dayton Athletics

Jim Katcavage was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on October 28, 1934. At the University of Dayton, Jim played football during the 1953, ’54, and ’55 seasons, and in 1955 was named a senior co-captain. Jim was an offensive and defensive end, but defense is what he was primarily known for. What Head Football Coach Hugh Devore says about Jim during his senior year at Dayton, “One of the best I have had in my 21 years of coaching. He’s an all around player.” After Jim’s senior season, he was invited to play in the East-West Shrine All Star Game for the top collegiate athletes, while also being named to 2 All-Ohio first teams, and made 3 All-American teams. While attending Dayton, Jim studied Business Management and lived in St. Joe’s Hall.

After Dayton, Jim was drafted in the 4th round of the NFL Draft by the New York Giants where in his rookie year became known as a member of the “Fearsome Foursome” defensive line and the Giants won the NFL Championship in his rookie year. During Jim’s 13 year playing career with the New York Giants, he helped the team win 6 Division titles while being named a 3- time All-Pro and 3-time Pro Bowler. When Jim’s playing career ended, he stayed in New York and coached the Giants’ defensive line for 5 years and then worked with his hometown Philadelphia Eagles in the scouting department until 1987. Jim Katcavage resided in Philadelphia with his wife Catherine until he passed away February 22, 1995 at the age of 60 in Maple Grove, Pennsylvania.