Professional Football Player. For eleven seasons (1964 to 1967 and 1969 to 1975), he played at the defensive tackle position in the American and National Football Leagues with the Buffalo Bills, Oakland Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs. Born Thomas Arthur Keating, he attended St. Mel's High School in Chicago and played collegiate football at the University of Michigan. While with the Wolverines, he distinguished himself as he earned All-Big Ten status and was named Michigan's Most Valuable Player in 1963. Selected by the Bills during the 5th round of the 1964 AFL Draft, he experienced two consecutive championship titles with Buffalo (1964 and 1965). While with the Raiders, he formed a highly-effective Raiders' defensive line core with Ike Lassiter, Dan Birdwell and Ben Davidson. They were a key contributor to Oakland's capturing of the AFL Title in 1967 and their appearance in Super Bowl II (1968). Individually, Keating earned Pro-Bowl honors twice (1966 and 1967) and All-Pro status in 1967. He was also known for his distinct four-point stance with both hands on the ground. He retired following the 1975 season after compiling 114 regular season games. During his post football years, Keating worked as a private investigator for a law firm an later began his own company. His younger brother Bill Keating was also a professional football player in the AFL. Tom died following a battle with prostate cancer.
Professional Football Player. For eleven seasons (1964 to 1967 and 1969 to 1975), he played at the defensive tackle position in the American and National Football Leagues with the Buffalo Bills, Oakland Raiders, Pittsburgh Steelers and Kansas City Chiefs. Born Thomas Arthur Keating, he attended St. Mel's High School in Chicago and played collegiate football at the University of Michigan. While with the Wolverines, he distinguished himself as he earned All-Big Ten status and was named Michigan's Most Valuable Player in 1963. Selected by the Bills during the 5th round of the 1964 AFL Draft, he experienced two consecutive championship titles with Buffalo (1964 and 1965). While with the Raiders, he formed a highly-effective Raiders' defensive line core with Ike Lassiter, Dan Birdwell and Ben Davidson. They were a key contributor to Oakland's capturing of the AFL Title in 1967 and their appearance in Super Bowl II (1968). Individually, Keating earned Pro-Bowl honors twice (1966 and 1967) and All-Pro status in 1967. He was also known for his distinct four-point stance with both hands on the ground. He retired following the 1975 season after compiling 114 regular season games. During his post football years, Keating worked as a private investigator for a law firm an later began his own company. His younger brother Bill Keating was also a professional football player in the AFL. Tom died following a battle with prostate cancer.
Bio by: C.S.
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