History of Joe Danelo in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 27, 2026

Joseph Peter "Joe" Danelo is a former American professional football player. He played as a placekicker in the National Football League (NFL) for ten seasons. During his NFL career, Danelo played for the Green Bay Packers, New York Giants, and Buffalo Bills.

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Full Timeline

September 2, 1953: Joseph Danelo's Birth

On September 2, 1953, Joseph Peter Danelo was born. He became an American former professional football player as a placekicker in the National Football League (NFL).

1971: Graduation from Gonzaga Prep

In 1971, Joe Danelo graduated from Gonzaga Prep in Spokane, Washington, where he was born and raised.

1974: All-Conference Honors

In 1974, as a senior at Washington State University, Joe Danelo earned second-team all-conference honors after setting records as a three-season starter. He played college football under head coach Jim Sweeney.

1975: NFL Draft Selection

In 1975, Joe Danelo was selected in the tenth round of the NFL draft by the Miami Dolphins.

1976: Trade to the New York Giants

In 1976, after the Dolphins decided to keep Garo Yepremian, Joe Danelo was called by the Green Bay Packers to be a week-to-week injury replacement for Chester Marcol and appeared in the season's final twelve games. When Marcol returned, head coach Bart Starr promised a trade; Danelo pushed for the Seattle Seahawks, but instead wound up with the New York Giants.

December 19, 1981: Game-Winning Field Goal

On December 19, 1981, Joe Danelo kicked a game-winning 35-yard field goal in overtime against the Dallas Cowboys, enabling both the Giants and the New York Jets to go to the playoffs for the first time in many years.

1981: Record-Breaking Field Goals

In 1981, Joe Danelo kicked a team-record 55-yard field goal for the Giants on September 20 and tied the NFL record of six field goals (with no misses) on October 18 at the Kingdome in Seattle.