Jim Mello

College career

Notre Dame (1941–1943) Mello attended college at the University of Notre Dame. He did not see any action on the gridiron in 1941 under first-year coach Frank Leahy. The 1942 season saw Mello splitting time at the fullback position with teammates Corwin Clatt and Gerry Cowhig. The 1943 season was Mello's breakout season at Notre Dame. In the absence of Clatt and Cowhig, who had been drafted into the armed forces, Mello became the starting fullback for the Irish. At the end of the season, the Associated Press named Notre Dame national champions, the first of two national titles Mello would help the Irish win.

Service in the United States Navy (1944–1945) As the Second World War raged, Mello served in the United States Navy from 1944 to 1945. Coached by Paul Brown, the 1944 Great Lakes team, compiled a 9-2-1 record and Mello was considered to be "the offensive mainstay" of the team. Panelli and Mello would later play together as members of the Detroit Lions during the 1949 season.

In 1945, Mello was drafted by the Boston Yanks in the 6th round (47th overall) of the 1945 NFL draft. At the season's end, Mello was Notre Dame's top scorer - with 6 touchdowns and 307 rushing yards on 61 carries - and the Associated Press again named the undefeated Notre Dame squad national champions.

Professional career After graduating from Notre Dame, Mello played for the Boston Yanks, who had previously drafted him, in 1947. He appeared in nine games in his first year, starting four. He recorded 33 rush attempts for 62 yards. On receptions, Mello gained 26 yards.

After retiring from professional football, Mello served as Director of Physical Education at the Mansfield Training School for Special Needs Children. He was also a prominent figure in the early days of the Special Olympics and was a long-time organizer of the Connecticut Special Olympics.

Upon his retirement in 1986, Jim and Jacquie moved to Mesa, Arizona, where Mello lived until his death on May 27, 2006, at the age of 85. He is buried in St. Joseph's Cemetery in South Bend, Indiana.