Meadowdale H.S. graduation 2012
Middletown H.S. graduation 2012
Dunbar H.S. graduation 2012
Home > Blogs > Dawging the Browns > Archives > 2009 > January > 21
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
‘Gluefingers’ embodied greatness
Maybe Browns fans are guilty of living in the past a bit too much, as Braylon Edwards suggested toward the end of this misspent season.
Sometimes it’s easier that way, though, especially for those who remember when the Browns were “America’s Team” — without the marketing or the cheerleaders — as opposed to what they’ve been recently.
Hank Aaron was a Browns fan. Elvis Presley, too. Condoleezza Rice, growing up in Alabama for goodness sake, rooted for them because they were on TV all the time.
All this came to mind when I learned of the great receiver Dante Lavelli’s death today at age 85. He had been ill for some time with congestive heart failure.
A member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, “Gluefingers” caught most of his passes from Otto Graham back in the glory years. Yes, that was a long time ago and we’re told the past is boring, but if you’re not well-versed in Browns history, there’s a huge gap in your NFL knowledge and your knowledge of sports in general. I’d suggest catching up.
Lavelli could have played in any era, those who saw him tell us. He was big, fast enough to beat you deep, ran precise routes, and his nickname says everything you need to know about his hands.
Great name, too. Dante Lavelli. Doesn’t get any better than that, except maybe for the guy on the other side of the formation, Mac Speedie.
The Browns dominated the ’40s and ’50s, much as the Steelers dominated the ’70s. Even if you couldn’t care less about history, that fact never should be forgotten. Nor should Lavelli.
