Holovak, "Mike" (Michael J.)
Football
b. Sept. 19, 1919, Lansford, PA
Holovak was a three-year starter at Boston College, at both halfback and fullback, from 1940 through 1942. As a senior, he gained 965 yards in 174 carries and was a consensus All-American fullback.
After spending nearly four years in the Navy during World War II, the 6-foot-1, 210-pound Holovak played for the NFL's Los Angles Rams in 1946 and for the Chicago Bears in 1947 and 1948. Never a starter as a professional after his long absence from football, Holovak gained just 720 yards in 136 carries and scored 6 touchdowns.
In 1951, Holovak became head coach at Boston College, where he had a 49-29-3 record in 9 years. When the Boston Patriots were organized to join the new American Football League in 1960, Holovak was director of player personnel. He was named the team's head coach in 1961.
The Patriots won the AFL Eastern Division title in 1963, but lost 51-10 to the San Diego Chargers in the league's championship game. Holovak resigned in 1968 after two poor seasons, but worked in the front office for several professional teams afterward.