Legendary Cleveland Browns wide receiver helped the team to establish a dynasty during its first 10 years in existence.
He was a quarterback in high school and was recruited as a halfback for Ohio State, but played only three games before an injury sidelined him.
He won three NFL championships with the Browns and was selected to the Pro Bowl three times.
He grew up in Hudson, northeast Ohio, the son of blue-collar Italian immigrants.
Lou Groza was another Hall of Famer who played alongside Lavelli on the inaugural 1948 Cleveland Browns team.
