He also played professional football in the National Football League (NFL) and All-America Football Conference (AAFC) as a center, tackle, and linebacker for the Detroit Lions (1941, 1945), the Los Angeles Dons (1946–1949), and Baltimore Colts (1950). He appeared in 71 NFL/AAFC games, 52 as a starter, and kicked six field goals and 37 extra points.
