Born in Brooklyn, with Jewish origins, he studied at the University of Southern California and played college football. He was an Offensive Guard who prided himself in his "needle work." A master at taunting enemy linemen, the 6–0, 210-pound guard could back up his words, and was a vicious blocker and tackler.[citation needed] He was selected for the All-America team in 1932 and 1933, and elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1966.