Cleveland Browns: 30 greatest players in franchise history
By Dan Justik
53. . End. (1946-1956). Dante Lavelli. 7. player
Greatest players in Cleveland Browns history: 7. Dante Lavelli
One of the key members of the innovative passing offense created by Paul Brown, Dante Lavelli was such a reliable receiver that he received the nickname “Gluefingers.” Lavelli was the go-to receiver for Hall of Fame quarterback Otto Graham. Lavelli also spent time playing defensive end for the Browns.
One of the best games of Lavelli’s career came during the 1950 NFL Championship Game against the Los Angeles Rams. Lavelli caught 11 passes and two touchdowns, helping push the Browns to a 30-28 victory to win the team’s first NFL Championship.
In his rookie season in 1946, Lavelli led the entire AAFC in receiving yards and receptions with 40 catches for 843 receiving yards. He also chipped in eight touchdowns during that season. For his career, Lavelli caught 386 passes for 6,488 receiving yards and 62 touchdowns. In Cleveland Browns franchise history, Lavelli ranks second all-time in receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns.
Lavelli won seven championships while in a Browns uniform, including three NFL Championships. He was named first-team or second-team all-league five times in his career. Lavelli also played in three Pro Bowls during his career. He was also named to the NFL 1940’s All-Decade Team. Lavelli was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1975.