by Stephen M. Skok, Class of 2009

DANTE LAVELLI Class of 1949

Dante Lavelli was a high school quarterback in Hudson, Ohio when he began receiving offers from big time college programs. Choosing to be closer to home, he accepted an offer to play for Paul Brown at The Ohio State University. Brown immediately recognized Lavelli’s talent as a receiver and installed him at split end. Lavelli would soon help Ohio State win its first National Championship in 1942. He would go on to a Hall of Fame career with the Cleveland Browns as a wide receiver. “Whatever you write about him won't be enough,” said Bruce Paschal, Lavelli’s Delta Tau Delta fraternity brother, to Columbus Dispatch sports reporter Rob Oller. Paschal was right. Lavelli was not only a talented football player, but also a fraternity man, business owner, labor rights advocate and World War II veteran. After only two seasons at Ohio State, Lavelli was drafted to fight in the US Army’s 28th Infantry Division. Instead of battling on the field of Ohio Stadium for the next two years, he battled on the front lines in the European theater. Fighting amongst thousands of allied soldiers in the Battle of the Bulge, Lavelli helped to win a historically hard fought victory over the Nazi regime. In 1945, Lavelli returned to Ohio. Although he did not play football for the Buckeyes after the war, he still attended classes and graduated from Ohio State in 1949. From there he went on to play for his former college coach, Paul Brown as part of Cleveland’s new professional football franchise, which later came to be called the Browns. In eleven seasons with the Browns, Lavelli acquired the nickname “Glue Fingers” after

his penchant for making great catches. Before his retirement in 1956, Lavelli had made 386 receptions and scored 62 touchdowns. In 1975 he was named to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Lavelli became an advocate for his colleagues on the gridiron, fighting for fair pay and benefits for all professional players. His efforts lead to the foundation of the NFL Players’ Association, which requires a minimum salary and pension plan for all athletes. Legend has it that Lavelli was so dedicated to his cause that he would carry a notebook and pen onto the field between plays so opposing players could sign his petitions. Lavelli’s humble dedication to his fellow man is a trait all Delts should aspire to. Before his death in 2009, Lavelli rarely spoke of his football glories or military service, choosing to quietly run an appliance store in Rocky River, Ohio. There he lived with his wife Joy with whom he raised three children, Lucinda, Lisa, and Edward.

Honoring distinguished Delts THE BETA PHI LEGACY