Daniel Stanley Abramowicz (born September 6, 1945 in Bellingham, Washington) was an American football wide receiver in the NFL who played for the New Orleans Saints and San Francisco 49ers. He played college football at Xavier University.

[edit] Early life

He is of Polish descent and is a Roman Catholic. Born in Bellingham, Washington, his family moved to Steubenville, Ohio, where he would eventually graduate.

[edit] College

Abramowicz attended Xavier University, and was subsequently drafted by the Saints in the 17th round of the 1967 NFL Draft.

[edit] NFL career

His career lasted from 1967 through 1974. Abramowicz had his most productive years while with the Saints. In 1968, 1969, and 1970, he ranked in the Top 10 in the NFL in two categories: receptions and receiving yards. Additionally, in 1968 and 1972 he was Top 10 in receiving touchdowns. His best season is generally considered to be 1969, when he caught 73 catches for 1,015 yards to go along with seven touchdowns. For his efforts, he was voted as an All-Pro by the Sporting News and Associated Press. 1972 would turn out to be Abramowicz's last full season with the Saints. Two games into the 1973 season, he was traded to the 49ers, playing two sub-par seasons. Over his career, he played 111 games, caught 369 passes for 5,686 yards and 39 touchdowns. Upon his retirement, he held the NFL record for catching at least one pass in consecutive games: 105.

[edit] After retirement

After his playing career, Abramowicz worked in private business in New Orleans. He also spent five years as an analyst for Saints games broadcast on radio. In 1992, he was hired by Chicago Bears head coach Mike Ditka to serve as special teams coach. He served in this capacity from 1992 to 1996. In 1997, when Ditka was hired as head coach for the Saints, Abramowicz came back to the Saints as offensive coordinator. He has been out of the NFL since Ditka was fired in 1999.

Abramowicz is a devout Roman Catholic, and is active with various organizations and foundations dedicated to philanthropic causes. He is also an accomplished writer, with a book titled "Spiritual Workout of a Former Saint."

Since September 2008, Abramowicz has been hosting his own television show "Crossing the Goal" on the Catholic television network EWTN. Promotional materials from the network indicate the program uses "a sports show format to encourage men to get into spiritual shape."

“On this show, we talk to men about the things that are happening in their lives right now and we challenge them to do something about it,” said Abramowicz, who played for the New Orleans Saints and the 49ers. “Guys respond to a challenge. The Lord will help them, but they have to admit that something is not right in their life.”

[edit] Sources

• Official Site of the New Orleans Saints "Where are they now?" article
• "Crossing the Goal" website
• "Danny Abramowicz" website