A three-year all-scholastic football star at Cleveland South High, he an All-American center for Ohio State University in 1935, playing in only one losing game in three years for the Buckeyes. Became head football coach and athletic director at Oklahoma University in 1964 after 16 years as line coach, during which he produced 16 All-Americans. Also coached at John Carroll, Ohio State and Nebraska Universities.

Nicknamed “Dynie,” short for dynamite, he started his football career as captain of the West Tech Junior High team. He later played tackle for the West Tech High varsity from 1922 to 1924 and is considered one of the school’s all-time greats. Became outstanding lineman at Wisconsin University and, later, a coach there.

Played one year (1950) with Cleveland Browns before moving to Detroit Lions where he was a star placekicker and linebacker from 1951 to 1961. Played for Baltimore in 1963 and Washington in 1964, then turned to coaching, first with Denver of the AFL (1965), then Idaho State University (1966) and the Lions (1967-72). Captained the unbeaten 1949 Notre Dame University team, was All-American at both end and tackle during four year career. Played high school ball at Cleveland East Tech

Star running back for Buffalo Bisons (1946) and Buffalo Bills of the All-American Football Conference, leading the Bills in rushing three straight years (1947 through 1949). Finished his career with the Baltimore Colts of the National Football League in 1950, leading the club in rushing and pass receiving. Was an All-Ohio collegiate star at Xavier University, after a memorable career at Cleveland Cathedral Latin High School, where he was an all-scholastic quarterback.