Because, at 5'10" and 200 lbs, he was undersized to be a major college linebacker, his father, former 9-year National Football League kicker Joe Danelo, taught him the position.

[1] In the early morning hours of January 6, 2007, after partying with friends, Danelo left his family's San Pedro home, telling his father he was going for a walk.

[1] Among the mourners were about 100 of his former USC teammates and coaches, including Shaun Cody, Matt Grootegoed, Fred Matua, Tom Malone, and Scott Ware.

The Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum also put a banner above the tunnel with Danelo's name and the goal-post pads paid tribute to him.

[9] Before the beginning of the 2007 opener, USC held a special ceremony with a video tribute, a moment of silence before the game and coach Pete Carroll and Athletic Director Mike Garrett presented a jersey to Danelo's parents.

[12] The mural was planned and donated by a USC group and titled "Livin' the Dream" by sports muralist Mike Sullivan.