Cleveland Browns Career: AAFC, 1946-49; NFL, 1950-56

Bio:
Born on Feb. 23, 1923 in Hudson, Ohio. Dante started his football career as quarterback for Hudson High School, leading his team to three undefeated seasons. In 1941 he started at Ohio State University where he played football, but also excelled at Basketball and Baseball.

Only three games into his college football season, Lavelli was called to service in World War II. His wartime experiences included landing on Omaha Beach in 1944. After returning from the war Lavelli turned professional.

Paul Brown had coached him in college and remembered his abilities as a half-back. Brown was in the process of putting together The Cleveland Browns and was willing to take a chance on this young player.

Lavelli was the top AAFC receiver as a rookie and he scored the winning touchdown in the title game in 1946. Lavelli caught 11 passes in the 1950 NFL Championship Game. He was named All-AAFC in 1946-47 and All-NFL in 1951 and '53. He played in three Pro Bowls. Lavelli caught 386 passes for 6,488 yards and 62 touchdowns in his 11-year professional career. Lavelli recorded 24 catches in six NFL title games.

Paul Brown always called Lavelli "Mr. Clutch". He always said if there was a tight situation - get the ball to Lavelli".

Honors:
3-time Pro Bowler: 1951, 1953, 1954
Enshrined in the Hall of Fame in 1975

Stats:

AAFC
YEAR GAMES Rec Yards Y/R  TD 
1946   14   40  843  21.1  8 
1947   13   49  799  16.3  9 
1948    8   25  463  18.5  5 
1949    9   28  475  17.0  7 
TOTAL  44  142 2580  18.2 29 
NFL
1950   12   37  565  15.3  5
1951   12   43  586  13.6  6
1952    8   21  336  16.0  4
1953   12   45  783  17.4  6
1954   12   47  802  17.1  7
1955   12   31  492  15.9  4
1956   11   20  344  17.2  1
TOTAL  79  244 3908  16.0 33