Early career & college

He attended Ravenna High School in Ravenna, Ohio and played college football at nearby Kent State University. He was a three-year letterman, and captained the team his senior year. He finished his college career with 2,515 yards on 602 carries. He also made the first-team All-Mid-American Conference teams in 1969 and 1970.

Pro career

Nottingham was selected in the 17th round of the 1971 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Colts, the penultimate pick. He spent two full years with the team, and was traded midway through the 1973 NFL season to the Dolphins. He was part of the Dolphins team that won Super Bowl VIII over the Minnesota Vikings 24-7. He gained the starting role after Larry Csonka left for the World Football League in 1975 and finished in the top ten of all running backs for rushing touchdowns during the 1974, 1975, and 1976 seasons. Nottingham broke his left shoulder blade in August 1978 and sat out the entire 1978 season on injured reserve, then retired in March 1979 to sell insurance. He finished his career with 2,496 yards and 34 touchdowns on 611 carries, as well as 67 catches for 502 yards. The Don Nottingham Cup is given to the top Kent State offensive player at the end of spring practice.

Career statistics

Regular season

				Rushing					Receiving
Season	Team	League		GP	Att	Yds	TD		Rec	Yds	TD
1971	Baltimore	NFL		14	95	388	5		15	88	0
1972	Baltimore	NFL		14	123	466	3		25	191	0
1973	Bal/Mia	NFL		14	52	252	1		3	26	0
1974	Miami	NFL		14	66	273	8		3	40	0
1975	Miami	NFL		14	168	718	12		9	66	0
1976	Miami	NFL		14	63	185	3		4	33	0
1977	Miami	NFL		14	44	214	2		8	58	0
Regular season totals				98	611	2496	34		67	502	0

[ Source: Wikipedia ]