He attended and played football at Woodrow Wilson Classical High School in Long Beach, California.

[1] He was selected by the New York Giants in the ninth round (66th overall pick) of the 1948 NFL draft and by the New York Yankees in the 13th round (80th overall pick) of the 1948 AAFC Draft.

[1] He was the subject of controversy when it was disclosed prior to his senior season at Washington that he had secretly signed a contract to play professional football for the New York Yankees of the All-America Football Conference.

[6] He played in the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) for the Los Angeles Dons during their 1948 season, appearing in nine games.

[1][7] In June 1949, the Dons sold Ottele to the Chicago Hornets.