By Darin 
April 9, 1921 – Detroit, Michigan – Vince “Bananas” Banonis, the University of Detroit’s great center from 1939 to 1941, set his birth date. The NFF preserves the legacy of Banonis by sharing. Staying in his hometown, he went to the University of Detroit, where he was named a 1941 All-American by Grantland Rice, the Associated Press, United Press, and others.
During his three years in college, his teams went 19-7-1. In a game against Villanova, he made seven consecutive tackles. His greatest play of all was against Oklahoma State. Banonis centered the ball, ran downfield, took a lateral pass from a teammate, then threw a lateral pass himself, and blocked out two men so another teammate could score a touchdown. The College Football Hall of Fame proudly placed a display honoring Vince Banonis in its legendary museum in 1986. Vince had a great 10-year pro career, playing on three world championship teams, first with the 1947 Chicago Cardinals and later with the 1952 and 1953 Detroit Lions. (source)
ootball Accolades and Accomplishments
- College Career (1939–1941): Played for his hometown University of Detroit, achieving a 19-7-1 record during his tenure.
- Consensus All-American (1941): Named an All-American by selectors including Grantland Rice, the Associated Press, and United Press.
- Defensive Playmaking: Once recorded an astounding seven consecutive tackles in a single game against Villanova, demonstrating his relentless two-way effort.
- Pro Championship Success: Had a ten-year professional career, playing on three World Championship teams: the 1947 Chicago Cardinals and the 1952 and 1953 Detroit Lions.
- Hall of Fame: Vince Banonis was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1986.