John Schneller

John Benjamin Schneller (November 1, 1911 – November 6, 1978) was a National Football League (NFL) player for the Portsmouth Spartans/Detroit Lions from 1933 to 1936, playing end on offense and defense.

Early life

Schneller was born on November 1, 1911 in Neenah, Wisconsin. He attended the University of Wisconsin on a basketball scholarship, but upon arriving on campus was recruited to play football. He then played as a fullback and end, earning All-American Honorable Mention in his junior year.

Football career

In 1935, the Detroit Lions won their first NFL championship, beating the New York Giants 26-7. After World War II, Schneller scouted for NFL teams.

Higher education and military service

Schneller graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a degree in electrical engineering after his NFL playing career was completed.

He later enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was assigned to Washington, D.C. to learn top secret codes. He served as a lieutenant, commanding the radar tower, on the USS South Dakota in the Pacific.

Business career

Schneller worked for Owens Corning as a sales manager in the company's fiberglass division.

In 1947, he founded the Duracote Company in Ravenna, Ohio, and in 1964 founded John Schneller & Associates, in Kent, Ohio, which later became known as Schneller, Inc. The company is today the largest supplier of commercial aircraft interior decorative laminates in the world.

Retirement and death

Schneller died of cancer on November 6, 1978.

See also

• List of Detroit Lions players

External links

• Braniff Flying Colors Historical Page