Don Nottingham Football: NFL Career & Facts

By Sarah Miller · July 16, 2044

Who Is Don Nottingham and What Is His Connection to Football?

Don Nottingham is a former American football running back who played in the National Football League (NFL) during the 1970s, primarily with the Baltimore Colts. Despite his name suggesting a possible link to Nottingham, England, or English football (soccer), Don Nottingham had no professional involvement in association football. His career was exclusively in American football, where he was known for his speed and agility as a rusher and return specialist.

Understanding the Name Confusion: Don Nottingham vs. Football

The search term "don nottingham football" often leads to confusion due to the naming overlap between American football and soccer. Here's a breakdown of common misconceptions:

Geographic Misconception: Nottingham is a city in England famous for Nottingham Forest FC, leading some to assume Don Nottingham is linked to English football.
Sport Confusion: The word "football" means different sports in the U.S. (American football) and the U.K. (soccer).
Name Similarity: No prominent soccer player or coach named Don Nottingham exists in European football records.

Key Facts About Don Nottingham

Full Name: Donald Nottingham
Born: May 25, 1951, in Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
Position: Running Back / Kick Returner
NFL Career: 1974–1980
Teams: Baltimore Colts (1974–1978), Buffalo Bills (1979–1980)
College: Kent State University

NFL Career Highlights and Statistics

Don Nottingham enjoyed a productive NFL career, particularly during his peak years with the Baltimore Colts. He was a key offensive weapon known for his versatility on both rushing plays and special teams.

Season	Team	Games	Rushing Yards	Rushing TDs	Receiving Yards	Receiving TDs	Kick Return Yards
1974	Baltimore Colts	14	631	4	237	0	497
1975	Baltimore Colts	14	802	4	233	1	466
1976	Baltimore Colts	13	567	2	199	1	388
1977	Baltimore Colts	12	389	3	193	0	297
1978	Baltimore Colts	12	230	1	108	0	235
1979	Buffalo Bills	15	174	1	105	0	582
1980	Buffalo Bills	7	35	0	28	0	107

Table data source:1, 2

The data shows that Don Nottingham's most productive years were from 1974 to 1976, with over 800 rushing yards in 1975. His role expanded beyond rushing, contributing significantly in kick returns, especially during his final season with the Bills, where he recorded 582 return yards. His versatility made him a valuable asset in multiple facets of the game.

College Career and Draft Background

Before joining the NFL, Don Nottingham starred at Kent State University, where he played a pivotal role in one of the most successful eras in the school's football history. He helped lead the Golden Flashes to a Mid-American Conference (MAC) championship in 1973.

Draft Information

Year: 1974
Round: 2nd
Pick: 40th overall
Team: Baltimore Colts

Legacy and Post-NFL Life

Though not enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Don Nottingham is remembered by Colts fans of the 1970s as a dynamic and reliable back during a transitional period for the franchise. After retiring in 1980, he largely stayed out of the public spotlight, focusing on personal ventures and community engagement in Ohio.

His legacy lives on through historical NFL databases and retrospectives on 1970s football, where his contributions are recognized among solid second-tier running backs of his era.

Frequently Asked Questions About Don Nottingham Football

Did Don Nottingham play soccer or association football?

No, Don Nottingham did not play soccer or any form of association football. He was an American football player who competed in the NFL as a running back and return specialist for the Baltimore Colts and Buffalo Bills.

Is Don Nottingham related to Nottingham Forest FC?

No, there is no connection between Don Nottingham and Nottingham Forest Football Club. The similarity in names is coincidental. Don Nottingham is from Ohio, USA, and has no known ties to the English football club based in Nottingham, England.

What was Don Nottingham’s best NFL season?

Don Nottingham’s best season was 1975 with the Baltimore Colts, when he rushed for 802 yards and scored 4 touchdowns on the ground, along with adding 233 receiving yards and a touchdown through the air.

Where did Don Nottingham go to college?

Don Nottingham played college football at Kent State University in Ohio, where he was a standout running back and helped lead the team to a MAC championship in 1973.

Why do people search for 'Don Nottingham football'?

People often search for 'Don Nottingham football' due to confusion between American football and soccer, especially because of the city name 'Nottingham' in England. Some mistakenly believe he may be linked to English football, but he was exclusively an NFL player.