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Gary Danielson

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Gary Danielson
refer to caption
Danielson in 2013
No. 16, 18
Position:Quarterback
Personal information
Born: (1951-09-10) September 10, 1951 (age 73)
Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Height:6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
Weight:195 lb (88 kg)
Career information
High school:Divine Child (Dearborn, Michigan)
College:Purdue
Undrafted:1973
Career history
Career NFL statistics
Passing attempts:1,932
Passing completions:1,105
Completion percentage:57.2%
TD–INT:81–78
Passing yards:13,764
Passer rating:76.6
Stats at Pro Football Reference

Gary Dennis Danielson (born September 10, 1951) is an American college football commentator and former professional football quarterback. Danielson played in the World Football League in 1974 and 1975 and in the National Football League (NFL) for the Detroit Lions from 1976 to 1984 and for the Cleveland Browns from 1985 to 1988. Since 2006, he has worked for CBS Sports as a commentator for its college football coverage and previously held the same position for ABC Sports from 1997 through 2005 and ESPN from 1990 through 1996.

Early years

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Danielson was born in Detroit in 1951.[1] He played high school football under Tony Versaci at Divine Child High School in Dearborn, Michigan, graduating in 1969. As the left side wide receiver in his junior year and quarterback in his senior year, he helped Divine Child win two straight Catholic High School League championships.[2]

Purdue

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Danielson played college football at Purdue University from 1969 to 1972. He succeeded Mike Phipps as the Boilermakers' starting quarterback in 1970. His best season was 1971 when he completed 89 of 154 passesfor 1,467 yards.[3] He led the Big Ten in 1971 with a 57.8% completion percentage, 10 touchdown passes, and a 147.6 quarterback rating.[4] Danielson was also a threat running with the ball. He set a Purdue single-game quarterback record with 213 rushing yards (206 yards in the first half, including runs of 80, 49, 32, and 26 yards) on 16 carries against Washington in September 1972.[5]

Danielson graduated in 1973 with a Bachelor of Science in industrial management. He later earned a master's degree in physical education in 1976.

Professional football

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Canadian Football League (1973)

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Danielson was not selected in the NFL draft and instead signed with the Calgary Stampeders of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He was cut after the Stampeders signed Pete Liske. Danielson recalled: "I thought I was doing real well with Calgary. Then they get Liske and I'm out of a job."[6]

After he was released by Calgary, Danielson returned to Purdue where he became a graduate assistant in economics and a coach for the freshman football team. He also began reading "all material possble on the game of football", including Woody Hayes's "Hotline to Victory" and Dave Meggyesey's "Out of Their League", and earning a reputtaion as a football "bookworm."[6]

World Football League (1974-1975)

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In 1974, Danielson played for the New York Stars of the newly-formed World Football League (WFL). Midway through the season, the team moved to North Carolina and was renamed the Charlotte Hornets. After the move to Charlotte, Danielson saw more playing tim after quarterback Tom Sherman dislocted his elbow.[7] Danielson completed 27 of 54 passes for 293 yards and one touchdown and no interceptions for Charlotte.[8]

In July 1975, the Hornets traded Danielson to the Chicago Winds in exchange for a 1976 WFL draft pick.[9] Danielson completed nine of 15 passes for 107 yards.[8] The Winds franchise folded a month before the league's collapse in October 1975.

Detroit Lions (1976-1984)

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Danielson signed as a free agent with the Detroit Lions in April 1976.[10][11] He was cut shortly before the opening game of the regular season, but was added back to the roster in mid-October.[12] He remained on the bench during the 1976 season, with no pass attempts, as Greg Landry was the team's starting quarterback and Joe Reed was the backup.

In 1977, Danielson began the season as a backup to Greg Landry but appeared in 13 games with two starts, and 445 passing yards.[1]

Danielson had a breakthrough season in 1978. After spending most of the Lions' first five games on the bench, Danielson took over as the Lions' starting quarterback in the final 11 games, completing 199 of 351 passes (56.7%) for 2,294 yards with 18 touchdowns and 17 interceptions.[1] On December 9, he set a Lions record with five touchdown passes in a 45-15 victory over the Minnesota Vikings.[13]

In August 1979, Danielson injured his knee in a preseason game, underwent surgery, and missed the entire 1979 season.[14]

Danielson returned to the Lions in 1980 and had the best season of his career. He started all 16 games, completing 244 of 417 passes (58.5%) for 3,223 yards with 13 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. He also rushed for a career-high 242 yards on 48 carries (4.8 yards per carry).[8] Despite having his best season, the Lions lost seven of ten games in the middle of the season, and Danielson's hold on the starting quarterback job was described as "shaky".[15] Danielson also became embroiled in a squabble with Detroit general manager Russ Thomas in November 1980, accusing Thomas in an interview of "behind-the-scenes meddling", suggesting a change at quarterback, and failing to keep the disgruntled Lions players happy.[16]

In 1981, Danielson lost the starting quarterback job to Eric Hipple. Danielson started only four games and completed 56 of 96 passes (58.3%) for 784 yards, three touchdowns and five interceptions.[8]

In the strike-shortened 1982 season, Danielson started five of nine games for the Lions, completing 100 of 197 passes for 1,343 yards with 10 touchdowns and 14 interceptions.[8]

In 1983, Danielson again lost the starting quarterback job to Eric Hipple. Hipple started all 16 games, and Danielson saw limited action, completing 59 of 113 passes (52.2%) for 720 yards with seven touchdowns and four interceptions.[8]

In 1984, Danielson retook the starting job from Hipple. Danielson started 14 games, completing 252 of 410 passes (61.5%) for 3,076 yards with 17 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. He also tallied 218 rushing yards on 41 carries, 5.4 yards per carry.[8] Despite Danielson's efforts, the Lions finished fourth in the NFL Central with a 4-11-1 record.

Cleveland Browns (1985-1988)

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In May 1985, the Cleveland Browns acquired Danielson as a backup to rookie Bernie Kosar.[17] Danielson ended up starting six games for the Browns in 1985, completing 97 of 163 passes (59.5%) for 1,274 yards with eight touchdowns and six interceptions.[8] Danielson broke an ankle in the 1986 preseason, and Kosar became entrenched as the Browns' starting quarterback. Danielson saw limited action thereafter, starting one game each in 1987 and 1988 and thrwoing only 33 passes in two years.[1]

Danielson and Kosar developed a close relationship during their three years together in Cleveland. They roomed together on the road, huddled together on the sidelines, watched game films and analyzed game plans together, and socialized away from the field. Danielson recalled, "Bernie could always turn to me and say something and I'd know exactly what he was talkng about. Not just about the defense, but about his inner feelings. . . . I also think I was able to take some of the pressure off him in meetings and things like that. I was able to say some of the things he couldn't."[18]

In April 1989, the Browns announced that they would not offer a new contract to Danielson.[19]

NFL career statistics

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Danielson amassed 13,764 passing yards, 1,105 pass completions, and 81 touchdown passes in 101 games in the NFL.[1] At the time of his retirement, he ranked third in Detroit Lions history (behind Bobby Layne and Greg Landry) in passing yards (11,885), passes completed (952), and passing touchdowns (69).[20]

Legend
Bold Career high

Regular season

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Year Team Games Passing Rushing Sacks
GP GS Record Cmp Att Pct Yds Y/A Lng TD Int Rtg Att Yds Avg Lng TD Sck Yds
1976 DET 1 0 0-0 0 0 0.0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0.0 0 0 0 0
1977 DET 13 2 1-1 42 100 42.0 445 4.5 61 1 5 38.1 7 62 8.9 16 0 9 64
1978 DET 16 11 6-5 199 351 56.7 2,294 6.5 47 18 17 73.5 22 93 4.2 25 0 25 237
1980 DET 16 16 9-7 244 417 58.5 3,223 7.7 87 13 11 82.4 48 232 4.8 33 2 44 338
1981 DET 6 4 2-2 56 96 58.3 784 8.2 45 3 5 73.4 9 23 2.6 11 2 12 84
1982 DET 8 5 2-3 100 197 50.8 1,343 6.8 70 10 14 60.1 23 92 4.0 16 0 19 145
1983 DET 10 0 0-0 59 113 52.2 720 6.4 54 7 4 78.0 6 8 1.3 8 0 8 68
1984 DET 15 14 3-10-1 252 410 61.5 3,076 7.5 77 17 15 83.1 41 218 5.3 40 3 41 335
1985 CLE 8 6 4-2 97 163 59.5 1,274 7.8 72 8 6 85.3 25 126 5.0 28 0 17 128
1987 CLE 6 1 1-0 25 33 75.8 281 8.5 23 4 0 140.3 1 0 0.0 0 0 2 4
1988 CLE 2 1 0-1 31 52 59.6 324 6.2 26 0 1 69.7 4 3 0.8 5 0 6 43
Career 101 60 28-31-1 1,105 1,932 57.2 13,764 7.1 87 81 78 76.6 186 857 4.6 40 7 183 1,446

Postseason

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Year Team Games Passing Rushing Sacks
GP GS Record Cmp Att Pct Yds Y/A Lng TD Int Rtg Att Yds Avg Lng TD Sck Yds
1983 DET 1 1 0–1 24 38 63.2 236 6.2 20 0 5 41.0 4 17 4.3 6 0 2 12
Career 1 1 0–1 24 38 63.2 236 6.2 20 0 5 41.0 4 17 4.3 6 0 2 12

Broadcasting career

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Danielson began his broadcasting career starting before his playing days were over as a part-time anchor/reporter at WDIV-TV, in Detroit, during the off-season while a member of the Lions. In Cleveland, he co-hosted a sports talk show while a member of the Browns.[21]

After retiring from the Browns, Danielson joined ESPN as a college football analyst. He continued to work in that capacity for ESPN/ABC Sports until 2006 when he joined CBS Sports as a college football analyst, partnering originally with Verne Lundquist (and later Brad Nessler) on the network's primary broadcast team during Southeastern Conference telecasts. He also serves as the college football radio analyst for Paul Finebaum where he appears weekly during the college football season. Starting in the 2011 college football season, Danielson became a weekly guest on Mike's On: Francesa on the FAN with Mike Francesa. He has also become a regular guest on The Dan Patrick Show.[citation needed]

Personal life

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Danielson is married to wife Kristy with whom he has four children, Matt David Danielson, Kelly Danielson, Tracy Danielson, and Molly Danielson.[21] The two met in college at Purdue, where Kristy's father, George King, was the head basketball coach and athletic director.[22]

The Danielson family resided in Rochester Hills, Michigan and the children attended Rochester Adams High School. His son, Matt, played college football at Northwestern.[23]

Danielson ran an importing and exporting business with former Lions teammate James Jones in the early 1990s.[24] He has also invested in business ventures with former Browns teammate Bernie Kosar.[25]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e "Gary Danielson". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved February 5, 2025.
  2. ^ "Gary's Arm Wins For Devine Child". Detroit Free Press. November 2, 1968. Retrieved December 4, 2021.
  3. ^ "Gary Danielson College Stats". Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved February 5, 2025.
  4. ^ "1971 Boilermaker Stats". Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved February 5, 2025.
  5. ^ George Langford (September 24, 1972). "Huskies Field Goal Nips Purdue 22-21". Chicago Tribune. p. 3 (section 3) – via Newspapers.com.
  6. ^ a b Steve Marcus (June 28, 1974). "...And the Quarterback Is a Bookworm". Newsday. p. 135 – via Newspapers.com.
  7. ^ "Gary Danielson May Start For Hornets". The Salisbury Post. November 5, 1974. p. 8 – via Newspapers.com.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h "Gary Danielson". Pro Football Archives. Retrieved February 5, 2025.
  9. ^ "Purdue's Danielson joins Winds". Chicago Tribune. July 17, 1975. p. 2 (section 4) – via Newspapers.com.
  10. ^ "Lions Ink Danielson, 11 Other Castoffs". Detroit Free Press. April 15, 1976. p. 8D – via Newspapers.com.
  11. ^ Jack Saylor (May 1, 1976). "Danielson Hopes to Find Home With Lions". Detroit Free Press. p. 5C – via Newspapers.com.
  12. ^ "Lions Acquire Gary Danielson". The Indianapolis News. October 19, 1976 – via Newspapers.com.
  13. ^ Curt Sylvester (December 10, 1978). "Danielson's 5 TD passes win, 45-14". Detroit Free Press. p. 1E – via Newspapers.com.
  14. ^ Curt Sylvester (August 26, 1979). "Loss of Main Man Stuns Lions: 'All we can do is hope'". Detroit Free Press. p. 1E – via Newspaper.com.
  15. ^ Curt Sylvester (November 19, 1980). "Danielson's starting job shaky?". Detroit Free Press. p. 1F – via Newspapers.com.
  16. ^ Curt Sylvester (November 4, 1980). "Fire simmering in Lions' den". Detroit Free Press. p. 1D – via Newspapers.com.
  17. ^ Tony Grossi (May 2, 1985). "A crowd at QB: Browns land Lions' veteran Danielson". The Plain Dealer. p. 1E – via Newspapers.com.
  18. ^ Mary Kay Cabot (October 22, 1989). "Kosar misses Danielson". THe Plain Dealer. p. 16D – via Newspapers.com.
  19. ^ Tony Grossi (April 6, 1989). "Danielson won't rejoin Browns". The Plain Dealer. p. 1E – via Newspapers.com.
  20. ^ "Detroit Lions Career Passing Leaders". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved February 5, 2025.
  21. ^ a b "CBS Sports TV Team - CBSSports.com". Archived from the original on October 20, 2012.
  22. ^ Traylor, Grant (June 9, 2012). "Danielson sounds off on college football". The Herald-Dispatch. Huntington, West Virginia.
  23. ^ "Matt Danielson Profile". nusports.com. Archived from the original on June 28, 2013. Retrieved June 25, 2013.
  24. ^ Milian, Jorge (September 9, 1994). "Jones Leaves The Backfield For Broadcast Booth". Sun-Sentinel. Deerfield Beach, Florida. Archived from the original on December 12, 2013. Retrieved June 25, 2013.
  25. ^ "Former NFL Teammates Gary Danielson And Bernie Kosar To Champion Capsalus Corp. Health & Wellness Platform". TheStreet.com. November 17, 2011.
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