Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Gary Danielson

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: September 28, 2025

How Gary Danielson built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Gary Danielson is an American college football commentator and former professional football quarterback. He is known for his long career as a color analyst, primarily covering Southeastern Conference (SEC) games. Prior to his broadcasting career, Danielson played quarterback in the NFL for several teams, including the Detroit Lions and the Cleveland Browns. His insights and analysis during game broadcasts have made him a prominent figure in college football media, though he's also been a subject of some controversy amongst fans due to perceived biases.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1969: College Football at Purdue University

In 1969, Gary Danielson began playing college football at Purdue University.

1970: Starting Quarterback

In 1970, Gary Danielson succeeded Mike Phipps as the starting quarterback for Purdue University.

1971: Best Season in College

1971 was Gary Danielson's best season while playing college football. He completed 89 of 154 passes for 1,467 yards. He also set a Big Ten record in 1971 with a 61.7% passing accuracy and led the Big Ten with 10 touchdown passes and a 147.6 quarterback rating.

1971: Leads Big Ten Conference

In 1971, Gary Danielson led the Big Ten Conference with a 57.8% completion percentage, 10 touchdown passes, and a 147.6 quarterback rating.

September 1972: Purdue Single-Game Rushing Record

In September 1972, Gary Danielson set a Purdue single-game quarterback record with 213 rushing yards on 16 carries against Washington.

1974: Signs with New York Stars

In 1974, Gary Danielson signed with 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.

July 1975: Traded to Chicago Winds

In July 1975, the Charlotte Hornets traded Gary Danielson to the Chicago Winds in exchange for a 1976 WFL draft pick.

October 1975: Winds Franchise Folded

In October 1975, the Chicago Winds franchise folded a month before the league's collapse.

April 1976: Signs with Detroit Lions

In April 1976, Gary Danielson signed as a free agent with the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL).

1976: WFL draft pick

In July 1975, the Hornets traded Danielson to the Chicago Winds in exchange for a 1976 WFL draft pick.

1977: Appears in 13 Games

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

1978: Starting Quarterback for Lions

In 1978, Gary Danielson took over as the Detroit Lions' starting quarterback, completing 199 of 351 passes for 2,294 yards with 18 touchdowns and 17 interceptions.

1984: Retakes Starting Job

In 1984, Gary Danielson retook the starting quarterback job from Eric Hipple and started 14 games, completing 252 of 410 passes for 3,076 yards with 17 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.

May 1985: Acquired by Cleveland Browns

In May 1985, the Cleveland Browns acquired Gary Danielson as a backup to rookie Bernie Kosar.

April 1989: No New Contract

In April 1989, the Cleveland Browns announced that they would not offer a new contract to Gary Danielson.

January 1990: Hired by WDIV-TV

In January 1990, Gary Danielson was hired by WDIV-TV in Detroit as a sports reporter, substitute sports anchor, and pre-game host for Detroit Tigers games.