By Darin 
Born on November 6, 1914, Ave Daniell personified the ultimate underdog success story in college football. He began his career at the University of Pittsburgh as a walk-on, yet his quickness and aggressive spirit allowed him to quickly dominate the line of scrimmage, ultimately overshadowing the established talent of his day. Daniell’s remarkable ascent culminated in him becoming the captain and leader of what many historians still consider the greatest offensive line in Pitt history.
Legacy of Daniell
November 6, 1914 – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – Ave Daniell, a tackle from the University of Pittsburgh, was born. Per the NFF, Daniell played for the Panthers from 1934 through 1936 and made the team as a walk-on. Utilizing quickness and aggressive spirit, Daniell overshadowed many of the great linemen of his day. And in 1936, Daniell’s senior season, the Panther captain became a consensus All-America selection as the leader of what many feel remains the best line in Pitt history. The National Football Foundation elected to induct Ave Daniell into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1975, after school Ave in the National Football League for the Brooklyn Dodgers and the Green Bay Packers.
Accolades and Accomplishments
- Walk-on Success: Daniell initially made the University of Pittsburgh team as a walk-on, playing for the Panthers from 1934 through 1936.
- Consensus All-American: In his senior season of 1936, he was recognized as a consensus All-America selection.
- Pitt Line Leader: He captained the 1936 team and led a unit often cited as the best offensive line in Pitt history.
- Professional Career: After college, Daniell played professionally in the National Football League (NFL) for both the Brooklyn Dodgers and the Green Bay Packers.
- Hall of Fame Enshrinement: The National Football Foundation (NFF) inducted Ave Daniell into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1975.