Dante B. Lavelli

CLEVELAND - Football 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 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. 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. Lavelli started at right end for the Browns from 1946 to 1956. He caught 386 passes for 6,488 yards and 62 TDs. But because Cleveland played in the AAFC, many of his accomplishments are not recognized on the club's career lists. Along with his achievements on the field, Lavelli was instrumental in the formal beginnings of the NFL players' union.