Dr. Jack Dolbin, hero of '77 playoffs, dies at age 70.
Jack Dolbin, Broncos wide receiver for five seasons, passed away on August 1st in Allentown, PA, at age 70 according to local sources. Dolbin is perhaps best known for making the game-winning catch in Denver's first-ever playoff game, a home victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, that catapulted them to the AFC Championship and, later started in Super Bowl XII against the Dallas Cowboys. Dolbin caught a 34-yd pass from Craig Morton in the front corner of the end zone late in the fourth quarter to seal the 34-21 victory over Pittsburgh.
A native of Pottstown, PA, Jack played for the local high school before playing at Wake Forest University. Undrafted, he was signed by the Chicago Fire of the fledgling World Football League in 1974 but the team and league soon folded. He played well enough to get a tryout with the Broncos in 1975 under John Ralston and made the squad, making 22 catches for 421 yards and 3 touchdowns as a rookie. 1977 was his best year, catching 26 passes for 443 yards and three scores plus an additional three grabs for 58 yards in the playoffs.
He retired after the 1979 season with 94 receptions, 1576 yards and 7 touchdowns.
Dolbin then began a chiropractic practice in Denver before relocating his practice to his Pottstown hometown where he was an active member of his local Baptist church.
