Hall of Famer Dante "Gluefingers" Lavelli, a sure-handed receiver who helped the Cleveland Browns build a dynasty in the 1940s and 50s, has died. He was 85.
Fairview Hospital spokeswoman Denise Smith said Lavelli died
there Tuesday night. The cause of death was not immediately
available.
Best known for his great hands, Lavelli was a favorite target of
legendary Browns quarterback Otto Graham, who remained his close
friend years after both had retired from football.
Lavelli was part of four championship teams when the Browns
dominated the All-America Football Conference in the 1940s. After
Cleveland joined the NFL in 1950, Lavelli was a member of three
title teams while playing for coach Paul Brown.
