Detroit Lions Great Alex Karras
Considered by many to be one of the most deserving players not in the Professional Football Hall of Fame, he is a member of the Hall of Fame 1960s team. He was a dominate defense tackle during his 12 years in the NFL being named to 4 Pro Bowls and 3 All-Pro Teams.
1960 Offensive Rookie of the Year Trophy of Gail Cogdill
After being drafted in the 6th round out of Washington State he was selected the 1960 Offensive Rookie of the Year after finishing as the 8th best pass catcher in the NFL that year.
Barry Sanders
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Bobby Layne carries against the Rams in 1957
Surrounded by Rams, Lions quarterback Bobby Layne keeps the ball for an 11-yard gain during an October 1957 game against Los Angeles.
Gail Cogdill Detroit Lions Offensive End
Still ranks as the Detroit Lions #5 All-Time Leading Receiving Yardage Leader with 5221 yards and the Lions #8 All-Time Leading Career Catches Leader with 325 receptions. His 28 Touchdown catches ranks #9.
Charlie Bradshaw and Kicker Garo Yepremian | Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions, probably 1967. Longtime veteran Charlie Brashaw (6-foot 6-inches tall) clowns around with team mate Garo Yepremian (5-foot 8-inches tall).
Barry Sanders
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Barry Sanders
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Joe Schmidt, Detroit Lions Hall of Fame Linebacker
10 Pro Bowls and 8 All Pro teams, NFL All-1950s Decade Team. Hall of Fame Class of 1973.
Earl Morrall of the Lions and Bob Gain & Bill Glass of the Browns in 1963 NFL
With Browns defenders Bill Glass (#80) and Bob Gain (#79) in the backfield Lions quarterback Earl Morrall stands tall and gets the pass off in this 1963 Browns-Lions action. Morrall was the Lions top passer that season with 10 starts, 2621 passing yards and 24 touchdowns.
The Lion at Morrall's feet could be lineman John Gonzaga (#79).
Doak Walker Detroit Lions Running Back
Doak Walker
The Heisman Award winner from SMU in 1948 played for the Detroit Lions from 1950 to 1955. Rushed for 1520 yards while catching 2539 yards worth of passes. Scored a total of 34 touchdowns in his career along with 49 field goals and 183 extra-points for a total 534 points. Ranked #3 in Career scoring when he left professional football in 1955.
Bobby Layne
Joe Schmidt
Hall of Fame Linebacker for the Detroit Lions during the 1950s and 1960s Joe Schmidt
Nick Pietrosante, Detroit Lions Fullback
7 seasons with the Lions (1959-1965). Rushed for 3933 yards and 28 touchdowns. Left with a 4.2 YPC average.
Doak Walker, Detroit Lions All Purpose Player
In 6 seasons (1950-1955) and 67 games he wracked up 5371 All-Purpose Yards. After almost 70 years that still ranks #14 on the Lions All-Time Franchise List.
Barry Sanders
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Joe Schmidt Sacks Frank Ryan
Lions Linebacker Joe Schmidt catches Rams quarterback Frank Ryan (#15) from behind as halfback Jon Arnett (#26) can do little more than watch.
Detroit Lions Defense Sacks Johnny Unitas
Leading the Lions defense in a sack of Colts Hall of Fame quarterback Johnny Unitas. While there's no official record of defensive sacks for NFL seasons before 1982 historians feel Alex Karras should be credited with about 100 sacks for his 12-year year. Also pictured above are #53 Mike Lucci, #59 Charlie Weaver and #74 Larry Hand.
Dick "Night Train" Lane
Barry Sanders
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Doak Walker
6-year career with the Lions - 1950 Rookie of the year, All-Pro 1950, 1951,1953,1954. Pro Bowler 1950-51, 1953-1955. Hall of Fame 1986
Earl Morrall Detroit Lions
Played with Detroit for 7 seasons - 1959 to 1964
Bobby Layne Detroit Lions in 1956
6-time Pro Bowler won 3 NFL Championships with the Detroit Lions.
11-year NFL Veteran Lem Barney had 56 interceptions and 7 touchdowns in his career. Voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992.
Barry Sanders
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Lions Receiver Gail Cogdill catch against Rams in 1962
Making a catch against Carver Shannon and the Rams in 1963.
Barry Sanders
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Earl "Dutch" Clark
Earl "Dutch" Clark 1931-1938 - Detroit Lions
Nick Pietrosante, Detroit Lions 1959-1965
Joe Schmidt brings down Ron Kramer of the Lions
Joe Schmidt, Hall of Fame Linebacker for the Detroit Lions treats Green Bay Packers tight end somewhat rudely here in Packers-Lions action of the 1960s NFL.
Dick "Night Train" Lane NFL Defensive Back
68 career interceptions. And that's still #4 in the NFL's All-Time Reecord book.
Mel Far follows John Gordy
The Lions 1st-round pick in 1967 after an All-American Senior year at UCLA. Named NFL Rookie of the Year after he led Detroit in both rushing and receiving with 1177 total yards and 39 catches.
Here he follows the lead blocking of long-time Lion offensive lineman John Gordy (#75) during his rookie season.
Alex Karras
Sat out the entire 1963 NFL Season after being suspended for gambling on games.
Dick Stanfel Hall of Fame Lineman
A Second Round draft pick of the Detroit Lions in 1952 from San Francisco College, Stanfel played 7 seasons in the NFL between the Lions and the Washington Redskins. He made 5 Pro Bowls and 6 All-Pro teams during that time. Voted into the Hall of Fame in 2016, he spent many seasons as an offensive line coach at the college and professional levels.
Barry Sanders
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Eric Andolsek Detroit Lions 1988-1992
Lions Hall of Fame Doak Walker
Hall of Fame Inductee in 1986.
Barry Sanders
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Bobby Layne Hall of Fame Quarterback
6 Time Pro Bowler and Hall of Fame Quarterback
Jimmy Allen and Bubba Baker Detroit Lions
Al Baker (#60) and Jimmy Allen (#20)
Bobby Layne
15-Year Hall of Fame Veteran quarterback. Played the majority of his time with the Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers. Led the Lions to 3 NFL Championships during the decade of the 1950s.
Dick "Night Train" Lane
Bobby Layne
15-Year Hall of Fame Veteran quarterback. Played the majority of his time with the Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers. Led the Lions to 3 NFL Championships during the decade of the 1950s.
Gail Cogdill Detroit Lions Pro Bowl Receiver 1960 to 1968
The Lions 6th-round draft pick in 1960. As a rookie he was the Lions 2nd leading receiver. Selected as the NFL's Offensive MVP of 1960 as well as a 1st-team Pro Bowler.
Barry Sanders
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Mel Farr
In 7 seasons with Detroit he rushed for 3072 yards - 8th best All-Time Career Rushing Yards for the Lions.
Milt Plum
After a very successful 5 seasons with the Browns he was traded to Detroit in a deal that involved 6 players. And while he didn't have the same fame he enjoyed at Cleveland, he did manage to pass for over 8600 yards and 56 touchdowns.
He finished his 13 year career with 129 games, 1306 attempts, 2419 completions, a 54.0% completion percentage, 17,536 yards and 122 touchdowns.
Barry Sanders
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Joe Schmidt
Hall of Fame Linebacker for the Detroit Lions during the 1950s and 1960s Joe Schmidt
Doug Atkins 1969 New Orleans Saints in Black Helmets
1969 Preseason - Doug Atkins and Dave Long apply pressure to Bill Munson of the Lions. Note the black helmets worn by Atkins and Long.
Johnny Unitas Passes Against the Detroit Lion Defense
The Detroit defense against Baltimore Great Johnny Unitas
Lions Rookie Gail Cogdill vs the Packers in 1960
The 1960 Offensive Rookie of the Year Gail Cogdill makes a catch against John Symank (#27) and 2 other Packers. Cogdill would go on to play a total of 11 seasons in the NFL.
Joe Schmidt 1959 Detroit Lions Topps Card
His 1959 Topps card. That season he made his 6th consecutive All-Pro and Pro Bowl teams. All in all he was selected to 8 All-Pro Teams and 10 Pro Bowls during his 13-year career with the Lions.
Detroit Lions Nick Pietrosante, Earl Morrall & John Gordy
Taking a handoff from quarterback Earl Morrall (#14), Lions fullback Nick Pietrosante (#33) gets behind offensive lineman John Gordy (#75)
Joe Schmidt
Hall of Fame Linebacker for the Detroit Lions during the 1950s and 1960s Joe Schmidt
Barry Sanders
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Mel Gray
Joe Scmidt - Detroit Lions 1953-1965
SchmidtJoe3
Detroit Lions Great Alex Karras
Barry Sanders
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Milt Plum
After a very successful 5 seasons with the Browns he was traded to Detroit in a deal that involved 6 players. And while he didn't have the same fame he enjoyed at Cleveland, he did manage to pass for over 8600 yards and 56 touchdowns.
He finished his 13 year career with 129 games, 1306 attempts, 2419 completions, a 54.0% completion percentage, 17,536 yards and 122 touchdowns.
Barry Sanders
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Ken Bowman & Jerry Kramer Battle Alex Karras & Roger Brown
A Classic confrontation of the 1960s NFL - Green Bay Packer Greats Ken Bowman (#57) & Jerry Kramer (#64) battle against Detroit Lion legends Alex Karras (#71) & Roger Brown (#76).
Barry Sanders
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Nick Pietrosante
Nick Pietrosante
A former 1st round pick from Notre Dame he was named Rookie of the Year in 1959.
Earl Dutch Clark 1935 Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions Defense led by Roger Brown
BrownRoger11
Earl "Dutch" Clark Old School NFL
The Packers Willie Davis Forces Milt Plum Out of the Pocket
Packers Hall of Famer Willie Davis (#87) gives chase as Lions quarterback Milt Plum (#16) scrambles.
Lem Barney
Bobby Layne
15-Year Hall of Fame Veteran quarterback. Played the majority of his time with the Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers. Led the Lions to 3 NFL Championships during the decade of the 1950s.
Joe Schmidt
Hall of Fame Linebacker for the Detroit Lions during the 1950s and 1960s Joe Schmidt
Al Baker
Al Baker, Defensive Lineman
Barry Sanders
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Detroit Lion Defender Lem Barney
Lem Barney - Detroit Lions All-Pro Defensive Back 1967-1977.
Earl "Dutch" Clark
Earl "Dutch" Clark 1931-1938 - Detroit Lions
Jimmy "Spider" Allen
Jimmy "Spider" Allen - Defensive Back, Detroit Lions 1978-1981
Detroit Lions Great Barry Sanders
In his 9-years in the NFL he never rushed rushed for less than 1100 yards in a season.
Mel Gray 1991 Detroit Lions Topps Stadium Club NFL Football Trading Card #388
1991 Topps Stadium Club. His 3rd season in Detroit and his 2nd straight All Pro year as a Return Man. Led the NFL in Average Yards per Punt Return - 15.4 YPR and Kick Returns - 25.8 YPR.
Doak Walker NFL Hall of Fame
One of the Superstars of the early NFL of the 1950s. Rookie of the Year in 1950 his big-play ability was out-done only by his exceptional off-field character. After over 50 years he still ranks #14 on the Lions All-Time All-Purpose Yards list.
Yale Lary Interception as Joe Schmidt blocks Sonny Jurgensen
Racked up a career total of 50 interceptions. Here he returns one as linebacker Joe Schmidt puts Eagle quarterback Sonny Jurgensen to the ground with a ferocious block.
Gene Washington
Detroit Lions Great Alex Karras
Considered by many to be one of the most deserving players not in the Professional Football Hall of Fame, he is a member of the Hall of Fame 1960s team. He was a dominate defense tackle during his 12 years in the NFL being named to 4 Pro Bowls and 3 All-Pro Teams.
1990 NFL Touchdown & Rushing Yards Leader Barry Sanders | 1991 Pro Set #10
The NFL's leading Touchdown and Rushing Yards Leader in 1990 - 16 Total TDs and 1304 rushing yards - is featured here on 1991 Pro Set card #10
Barry Sanders
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Detroit Lions Defender Yale Lary
11 season NFL veteran with 50 interceptions in his career. 3 All Pro selections and 9 Pro Bowls.
Packers vs Lions | Bart Starr, Alex Karras, Forrest Gregg, & Jim Taylor
Some Old School NFL. Packers and Lion. Lion Alex Karras (#71) pursues down the line as Bart Starr (#15) pitches to Jim Taylor (#31) as the bruising fullback goes wide. Also pictured is Hall of Fame Offensive Tackle Forrest Gregg (#75).
Barry Sanders
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Detroit Lions Offense Earl Morrall, Bob Whitlow and John Gonzaga
Approaching the line of scrimmage with fellow Lions Bob Whitlow (#51) and John Gonzaga (#79).
Joe Schmidt Detroit Lions
Hall of Fame Linebacker for the Detroit Lions during the 1950s and 1960s
1961 Catch against the Rams by Gail Cogdill
Making a catch in 1961 against the Rams.
Joe Schmidt
Hall of Fame Linebacker for the Detroit Lions during the 1950s and 1960s Joe Schmidt
Boyd Dowler Makes a Catch Against Wayne Rasmussen of the Lions
Packers receiver Boyd Dowler gets between the ball and Lions defender Walt Rasmussen. Dowler left Green Bay in 1969 with 448 catches - That was second only to the great Don Hutson in the Packer record books at the time.
Detroit Lion Defense 1950s
BrownRoger16
Dick "Night Train" Lane
49er Lineman Karl Rubke Lion Linebacker Joe Schmidt
Legendary Linebacker Joe Schmidt of the Detroit Lions takes on the block of 49er center Karl Rubke as Rubke leads running back JD Smith.
Al Baker
Al Baker and the Detroit Defense
Barry Sanders
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Milt Plum
After a very successful 5 seasons with the Browns he was traded to Detroit in a deal that involved 6 players. And while he didn't have the same fame he enjoyed at Cleveland, he did manage to pass for over 8600 yards and 56 touchdowns.
He finished his 13 year career with 129 games, 1306 attempts, 2419 completions, a 54.0% completion percentage, 17,536 yards and 122 touchdowns.
Bobby Layne
15-Year Hall of Fame Veteran quarterback. Played the majority of his time with the Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers. Led the Lions to 3 NFL Championships during the decade of the 1950s.
Joe Schmidt, Middle Linebacker of the Detroit Lions
Lions Hall of Fame linebacker from 1953 to 1965 he still ranks #1 among Detroit linebackers with 24 career interceptions.
Detroit Lions Defense Dick Lebeau,Yale Lary, Gary Lowe and Dick "Night Train" Lane
The members of that legendary Lions defensive secondary of the early 60s. With these guys the Lions passing defense ranked in the Top 10 from 1960 to 1962 and collected a total of 62 interceptions over those 3 seasons.
Lem Barney
Bears QB Billy Wade Passes Against the Detroit Lions in 1961
Newly acquired from the Rams Billy Wade (#9) has a tremendous day against the Lions in 1961. He hit End Farrington with 98-yard TD pass. It was the longest touchdown pass of the year. He ended up completing 13 of 25 passes for 330 yards and 2 touchdowns. He also had a 1-yard keeper for a score in the Bears 31-17 win over the Lions that day.
Also pictured above are Bears lineman Art Anderson (#79) and Mike Pyle (#50). For the Lions defense - Hall of Famer Yale Lary (#28) and longtime Lions player Dennis McCord (#78).
Bobby Layne
15-Year Hall of Fame Veteran quarterback. Played the majority of his time with the Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers. Led the Lions to 3 NFL Championships during the decade of the 1950s.
Earl Morrall, Detroit Lions against Ordell Braasse and Fred Miller of the Baltimore Colts
1963 Colts & Lions. Earl Morrall (#14), gets the pass away before Colts lineman Fred Miller (#76) can make contact. Ordell Braasse (#81), Colts defensive end, appears to have concerns about Lions Lineman Dan La Rose (#77).
Earl "Dutch" Clark
Earl "Dutch" Clark 1931-1938 - Detroit Lions
Lem Barney
Barry Sanders
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Mel Farr Lions Runner
In 7 seasons with Detroit he rushed for 3072 yards - 8th best All-Time Career Rushing Yards for the Lions.
The Lions "Night Train" Lane Stops the Packers Paul Hornung
Paul Hornung (#5) of the Green Bay Packers is stopped by Detroit Lion Dick "Night Train" Lane.
Lions Great Doak Walker
Led the NFL in scoring as rookie. His 128 points in 1950 set a new NFL record for rookies. It wasn't broken until 1965 when Gale Sayers scored 132 points his first year in the league.
Barry Sanders
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Alex Karras about to sack Joe Namath in 1968
From an AFL/NFL exhibition game in 1968 - Lions defenders Alex Karras (#71) & Joe Robb (#84) close in on Jets quarterback Joe Namath. The Jets would come out on top in the end 9-6.
Lem Barney
Gail Cogdill on the 1963 Detroit Lions Cover
After his Pro Bowl worthy performance of 1962 he made the cover of the 1963 Lions Publication.
Barry Sanders
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Milt Plum Passes Over Ordell Braase, Gino Marchetti & Fred Miller of the 1964 Baltimore Colts Defense
Lions QB Milt Plum (#16) passes Over Colts defenders Fred Miller (#76), Ordell Braase (#81) & Gino Marchetti (#89) in 1964. Also shown is Lions runner Nick Pietrosante (#33) in the center.
Alex Karras
A 1st Round Draft Pick in 1958 he was an consensus All-American as well as the 1957 Outland Trophy award winner at the University of Iowa. He was also the runner up in the Heisman Trophy voting.
Bobby Layne
15-Year Hall of Fame Veteran quarterback. Played the majority of his time with the Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers. Led the Lions to 3 NFL Championships during the decade of the 1950s.
Doak Walker
Yale Lary Detroit Lions Punter 1952 to 1964
As well as being a great defensive back he was one of the NFL's top punters during his career. Led the NFL in average Yards-per-Punt 3 times and retired from football with a 44.7 average.
Barry Sanders
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4 Lions form the Early 1960s -Nick Pietrosante, Joe Schmidt, Alex Karras & Earl Morrall
4 Lions greats from the early 1960s - fullback Nick Pietrosante, Middle Linebacker Joe Schmidt, Defensive Tackle Alex Karras & Quarterback Earl Morrall
Signal Caller Booby Layne of Detroit
Lions Runner Mel Farr in 1970
The Lions leading ground gainer and touchdown scorer in 1970 with 930 yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns.
Yale Lary NFL Defensive Back 1952 to 1964
Drafted by Detroit in the third round of the 1952 NFL draft out of Texas A&M. Played a total of 11 seasons (missed the 1954 and 1955 seasons on active duty in the Army) for the Lions. Part of that great Lions defense of the 1950s decade. Played on 3 NFL Championship teams. Selected to 9 Pro Bowls and 3 1st-Team All Pro squads. Hall of Fame inductee in 1979.
Bobby Layne
15-Year Hall of Fame Veteran quarterback. Played the majority of his time with the Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers. Led the Lions to 3 NFL Championships during the decade of the 1950s.
Dick "Night Train" Lane
Alex Karras 1964 Detroit Lions
From 1964 after he had just returned from his 1-year suspension for gambling.
Bobby Layne
15-Year Hall of Fame Veteran quarterback. Played the majority of his time with the Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers. Led the Lions to 3 NFL Championships during the decade of the 1950s.
Barry Sanders
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Yale Lary Detroit Lions 1952-1964
Drafted by Detroit in the third round of the 1952 NFL draft out of Texas A&M. Played a total of 11 seasons (missed the 1954 and 1955 seasons on active duty in the Army) for the Lions. Part of that great Lions defense of the 1950s decade. Played on 3 NFL Championship teams. Selected to 9 Pro Bowls and 3 1st-Team All Pro squads. Hall of Fame inductee in 1979.
Lions Defensive Back Lem Barney in the Snow
With the appearance of a super-hero, Hall of Fame defensive back Lem Barney emerges from a snowstorm in 1969.
Barry Sanders 1991 Detroit Lions Fleer Football Card
His Fleer card from 1991, his 3rd year in the NFL.
All Pro with 1548 Yards, a 4.5 YPC average and a league-leading 16 rushing touchdowns.
Barry Sanders
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Dick "Night Train" Lane
Yale Lary Detroit Lions NFL Legend
Drafted by Detroit in the third round of the 1952 NFL draft out of Texas A&M. Played a total of 11 seasons (missed the 1954 and 1955 seasons on active duty in the Army) for the Lions. Part of that great Lions defense of the 1950s decade. Played on 3 NFL Championship teams. Selected to 9 Pro Bowls and 3 1st-Team All Pro squads. Hall of Fame inductee in 1979.
Bobby Layne
15-Year Hall of Fame Veteran quarterback. Played the majority of his time with the Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers. Led the Lions to 3 NFL Championships during the decade of the 1950s.
Barry Sanders
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Bobby Layne 1953 Detroit Lions
Bobby Layne sets up tp pass in the 1953 Championship game against Cleveland
Earl "Dutch" Clark on the cover of a Lions/Redskins Game Program in 1938
Lions star from the 1930s - Dutch Clark on the cover of a 1938 Lions/Redskins game program.
Doak Walker
After his incredible college career at SMU - that included 40 touchdowns, a Maxwell Award and a Heisman Award, he was drafted by the New York Bulldogs in 1949. He was later traded to Detroit and played 6 seasons there earning 5 Pro Bowl appearances and 4 All Pro selections. When he retired from Pro Football in 1955 he was the NFL's #3 All-Time Leading scorer with 534 points. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1986.
Barry Sanders
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Barry Sanders
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Paul Warfield of the Browns makes a catch against Lions defender Dick Lebeau
A battle of NFL Hall of Famers - Despite being wrapped up by Lions defensive back Dick Lebeau, Browns receiver Paul Warfield holds on to the pass.
Lions Great Doak Walker
The Heisman Award winner from SMU in 1948 played for the Detroit Lions from 1950 to 1955. Rushed for 1520 yards while catching 2539 yards worth of passes. Scored a total of 34 touchdowns in his career along with 49 field goals and 183 extra-points for a total 534 points. Ranked #3 in Career scoring when he left professional football in 1955.
Bobby Layne
Lem Barney steals one from 49ers receiver Sonny Randle
1967 NFL. Detroit Lion rookie Lem Barney picks off a pass intended for 49ers receiver Sonny Randle. That year, 1967, Barney had 10 take-aways, that tied him for the NFL lead with the Saints Dave Whitsell. His 3 touchdowns on interception returns were best for the year. With those numbers he was named 1967's Defensive Rookie of the Year. When he retired in 1977 he was #6 on the All-Time Career Interceptions list with 56. Even today in 2016 that's good enough for #18.
Joe Schmidt
Hall of Fame Linebacker for the Detroit Lions during the 1950s and 1960s Joe Schmidt
Barry Sanders
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Doak Walker Lions Kicker
As well as playing running back he kicked and punted too. Scored 330 points kicking.
Barry Sanders
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The Lions Alex Karras Tackles the Packers Bart Starr behind the line of Scrimmage
Lions greats Roger Brown (#76) and Alex Karras (#71) break through the line to stop Packers QB Bart Starr (#15) before he can do anything. In the background linebacker Joe Schmidt (#56) & center Ken Bowmen (#57) are locked in contest.
NFL Punter Yale Lary
As well as being a great defensive back he was one of the NFL's top punters during his career. Led the NFL in average Yards-per-Punt 3 times and retired from football with a 44.7 average.
Gene Washington
Barry Sanders
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Al Baker
Detroit Lions lineman Al Baker takes downs Craig Morton of the Broncos
Bobby Lane
NFL Great Bobby Lane
Al Baker, Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions Defensive Lineman 1978-1982
Barry Sanders
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Detroit Lions Great Alex Karras
Considered by many to be one of the most deserving players not in the Professional Football Hall of Fame, he is a member of the Hall of Fame 1960s team. He was a dominate defense tackle during his 12 years in the NFL being named to 4 Pro Bowls and 3 All-Pro Teams.
Lem Barney - Lions Defender
Still ranks 2nd on the All-Time Lions Career interception list with 56 picks and #1 in interceptions returned for touchdowns with 7.
Doak Walker Carries a White Football
Detroit Lions great Doak Walker powers through the line with QB Bobby Layne (#22) looking on from the backfield. Take note of the white football the NFL used during night games in the 1950s.
Jim Marshall Flushes Out Greg Landry of the Lions
Vikings great Jim Marshall puts Lions quarterback Greg Landry to flight here in Vikings-Lions action from 1973. Marshall was in his 14th season as an NFL player and still going strong. He started all 14 games and still had 7 sacks and a fumble recovery.
Lem Barney Detroit Lions
A member of the Hall of Fame All-1960s team Lem Barney played 11 seasons for the Detroit Lions and was named to 7 Pro Bowls.
Carl Eller Sacks Bill Munson
The Viking Hall of Fame lineman snatches Lions quarterback Bill Munson (#19).
Gail Cogdill Blocking Jerry Logan of the Colts
As well as being a superb receiver he was also know as a very capable blocker among NFL receivers. Here he squares up with Colts defensive back Jerry Logan.
Dick "Night Train" Lane
Detroit Lions Kick Returner Mel Gray
RC Owens Alley Oop against the Detroit Lions
The Alley Oop in Action! 49er receiver RC Owns out-leaps two Detroit Lions defenders in late 1950s NFL gameplay. We think #25 is Lion veteran Jim David.
Lions Earl Morrall
Played with the Detroit Lions 1958 to 1964.
Joe Schmidt
Hall of Fame Linebacker for the Detroit Lions during the 1950s and 1960s Joe Schmidt
Barry Sanders
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Barry Sanders
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Gail Cogdill Makes a Diving Catch Against the Packers
Well know for his sure handed receptions he makes a diving catch against the Pro Bowler Jesse Whittenton of the Packers.
Jack Youngblood 1980 Topps Card with the NFL Quarterback Sack Leaders from the 1979 Season
Defensive lineman Jack Youngblood of the Rams & Al Baker of the Lions led the NFC with 16 sacks each in 1979. They are featured here on this Topps 1980 card along with AFC leading sack specialist Jesse Baker of the Oilers who had 15½ sacks.
Yale Lary 2008 Leaf Limited Spotlight Legend Cards #200
One of the NFL's most versatile players of his era, he is honored on the 2008 Leaf Limited Set, card #200. He punted, returned kicks and played Defensive Back - as was among the NFL's best at all of them. Led the league in punting 3 times and was among the top 10 ball hawks 4 times. Still ranks in the Top 5 for numerous Detroit Lion franchise records including #3 in Career Interceptions (50) and #2 in Punting Average in a Season (48.9 in 1963). Hall of Fame Inductee in 1979.
Bobby Layne
15-Year Hall of Fame Veteran quarterback. Played the majority of his time with the Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers. Led the Lions to 3 NFL Championships during the decade of the 1950s.
Al Baker and Detroit Defense against Craig Morton
Barry Sanders
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Lions Mel Farr
A hole opens against the 49ers as he quickly darts through. The NFL Rookie of the Year in 1967 he went to Pro Bowls that year and in 1970.
Doak Walker Early NFL Player
The Heisman Award winner from SMU in 1948 played for the Detroit Lions from 1950 to 1955. Rushed for 1520 yards while catching 2539 yards worth of passes. Scored a total of 34 touchdowns in his career along with 49 field goals and 183 extra-points for a total 534 points. Ranked #3 in Career scoring when he left professional football in 1955.
Mel Farr
After a promising rookie season in 1967 the UCLA All-American's career was hampered by injuries for most of his remaining time in the NFL. Played 7 seasons gaining 3072 yards (8th best in Lions history) and scoring a total of 36 touchdowns (5th best in Lions history.) A 2-time Pro Bowler (1967 and 1970) he was the Lions leading season rusher 3 times and top receiver once. Had a 197-yard game against the Vikings as a rookie in 1967.
Bobby Layne
15-Year Hall of Fame Veteran quarterback. Played the majority of his time with the Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers. Led the Lions to 3 NFL Championships during the decade of the 1950s.
Bobby Layne
15-Year Hall of Fame Veteran quarterback. Played the majority of his time with the Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers. Led the Lions to 3 NFL Championships during the decade of the 1950s.
Bobby Layne
15-Year Hall of Fame Veteran quarterback. Played the majority of his time with the Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers. Led the Lions to 3 NFL Championships during the decade of the 1950s.
49ers QB John Brodie and Lions Alex Karras
San Francisco 49ers quarterback John Brodie under pressure from Lions great Alex Karras.
Barry Sanders
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Lem Barney
Barry Sanders
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Barry Sanders
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Lions Runner Doak Walker
One of the Superstars of the early NFL of the 1950s. Rookie of the Year in 1950 his big-play ability was out-done only by his exceptional off-field character. After over 50 years he still ranks #14 on the Lions All-Time All-Purpose Yards list with 5371.
Barry Sanders
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Detroit Lions Gail Cogdill in the Early 1960s
Rookie Gail Cogdill of the Detroit Lions. Selected NFL Rookie of the Year he was a 6th round pick out of Washington State. His 43 catches ranked 8th in the league and 2nd on the Lions.
Joe Schmidt
Hall of Fame Linebacker for the Detroit Lions during the 1950s and 1960s Joe Schmidt
Detroit Lions Punter Yale Lary
Not only was he an outstanding Defensive back he Yale Lary was one of the league's top punters of his day. He led the NFL in Average Yards per Punt 3 times. After 13 seasons he left football with a 44.3 lifetime average.
Bobby Layne
15-Year Hall of Fame Veteran quarterback. Played the majority of his time with the Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers. Led the Lions to 3 NFL Championships during the decade of the 1950s.
Joe Schmidt
Hall of Fame Linebacker for the Detroit Lions during the 1950s and 1960s Joe Schmidt
Barry Sanders
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Lem Barney
Barry Sanders
.
Barry Sanders
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Barry Sanders
.
Barry Sanders
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Bobby Layne
Alex Karras
A 1st Round Draft Pick in 1958 he was an consensus All-American as well as the 1957 Outland Trophy award winner at the University of Iowa. He was also the runner up in the Heisman Trophy voting.
Lenny Moore of Colts and Tom Vaughn of the Lions
The Colts Lenny Moore (#24) works to break the grasp of Lions defender Tom Vaughan (#48). As of the 2022 season Moore still ranks as the #2 All Time leading touchdown scorer in Lions franchise history with 113.
Barry Sanders
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Doak Walker
After his incredible college career at SMU - that included 40 touchdowns, a Maxwell Award and a Heisman Award, he was drafted by the New York Bulldogs in 1949. He was later traded to Detroit and played 6 seasons there earning 5 Pro Bowl appearances and 4 All Pro selections. When he retired from Pro Football in 1955 he was the NFL's #3 All-Time Leading scorer with 534 points. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1986.
NFL Legends Jim Brown and Joe Schmidt
Two Legends from the Old School days of Pro Football. Detroit Lions linebacker Joe Schmidt (#56) moves in to stop Cleveland Browns Great Jim Brown (#32).
Both men are in the NFL Hall of Fame.
Detroit Lions Midle Linebacker Joe Schmidt
A 7th-round pick from Pittsburgh in 1953 he quickly established himself a the leader of those great Detroit Lions defenses of the 1950s.
Earl "Dutch" Clark
Earl "Dutch" Clark 1931-1938 - Detroit Lions
Lions Receiver Gail Cogdill
Bobby Layne
15-Year Hall of Fame Veteran quarterback. Played the majority of his time with the Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers. Led the Lions to 3 NFL Championships during the decade of the 1950s.
Al Baker
Al Baker, Detroit Lions
Bobby Layne of the Detroit Lions
Alex Karras Monday Night Football Announcer
After playing for the Detroit Lions for 13 seasons he was announcer for Monday Night Football from 1974 to 1976.
Yale Lary Lions Hall of Fame
Drafted by Detroit in the third round of the 1952 NFL draft out of Texas A&M. Played a total of 11 seasons (missed the 1954 and 1955 seasons on active duty in the Army) for the Lions. Part of that great Lions defense of the 1950s decade. Played on 3 NFL Championship teams. Selected to 9 Pro Bowls and 3 1st-Team All Pro squads. Hall of Fame inductee in 1979.
Lem Barney NFL
Barry Sanders
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Mel Farr carries against the Packers
The NFL Rookie of the Year in 1967 he went to Pro Bowls that year and in 1970. Here he carries the ball against the Green Bay Packers defense.
Dick "Night Train" Lane
Pretty Baby Alex Karras in 1957
The Lions 1st-round pick of 1958 - Iowa standout Alex Karras.
Barry Sanders
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Barry Sanders
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Barry Sanders
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Doak Walker Detroit Lions NFL 1950-1955
Joe Schmidt, Detroit Lions 1953-1965
Joe Schmidt
Hall of Fame Linebacker for the Detroit Lions during the 1950s and 1960s Joe Schmidt
Earl "Dutch" Clark
Earl "Dutch" Clark 1931-1938 - Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions Linebacker Joe Schmidt
Lions Hall of Fame linebacker from 1953 to 1965 he still ranks #1 among Detroit linebackers with 24 career interceptions.
Earl "Dutch" Clark
Earl "Dutch" Clark 1931-1938 - Detroit Lions
Doak Walker
NfL's high scorer in 1950 as a rookie with 128 point and again in 1955 with 96.
Barry Sanders
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Lions Rookie Gail Cogdill Makes a TD Catch in 1960
The Lions legendary receiver shown here during his rookie year of 1960 as he scores his first NFL touchdown on a 7-yard pass from Earl Morrall. In 9 seasons with the Lions he had 28 TD catches.
Milt Plum
After a very successful 5 seasons with the Browns he was traded to Detroit in a deal that involved 6 players. And while he didn't have the same fame he enjoyed at Cleveland, he did manage to pass for over 8600 yards and 56 touchdowns.
He finished his 13 year career with 129 games, 1306 attempts, 2419 completions, a 54.0% completion percentage, 17,536 yards and 122 touchdowns.
Barry Sanders
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Bobby Layne 1954 Detroit Lions Bowman Football Card #53
Hall of Famer Bobby Layne and his 1954 Bowman card. Led the Lions to 9 victories and a West Division Title.
1818 passing yards, a 54.9% completion ratio and 14 passing touchdowns.
Bobby Layne
15-Year Hall of Fame Veteran quarterback. Played the majority of his time with the Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers. Led the Lions to 3 NFL Championships during the decade of the 1950s.
Alex Karras, Wayne Walker & Mike Lucci of the 1970 Detroit Lions
Hall of famer Alex Karras (#71) takes the field with fellow Lion linebackers Wayne Walker (#55) & Mike Lucci (#53). Walker had 15 seasons in Detroit, Lucci had 9 as a Lions. Karras played a total or 12.
Barry Sanders
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Detroit Lions Defense Dick Lebeau,Yale Lary, Gary Lowe and Dick "Night Train" Lane
The members of that legendary Lions defensive secondary of the early 60s. With these guys the Lions passing defense ranked in the Top 10 from 1960 to 1962 and collected a total of 62 interceptions over those 3 seasons.
Eric Andolsek, Guard, Detroit Lions 1988-1991
Gail Cogdill Detroit Lions Receiver 1960 to 1970
The Lions 6th-round draft pick in 1960. As a rookie he was the Lions 2nd leading receiver. Selected as the NFL's Offensive MVP of 1960 as well as a 1st-team Pro Bowler.
Barry Sanders
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Lem Barney Intercepts a Pass Intended for Carroll Dale
Lions Hall of Famer Lem Barney picks off a pass intended for the Packers Carroll Dale.
Doak Walker and Bobby Layne with the Detroit Lions
Before they were winning championships at Detroit Hall of Famers Doak Walker (#42) and Bobby Layne (#22) were teammates at Parkland High of Dallas Texas.
Lem Barney, from a 1969 Sport Magazine Article
Detroit Lions Hall of Fame cornerback Lem Barney - from an article in a 1969 issue of Sport Magazine. The Lions enjoyed one of their best seasons in recent years as Barney had busy year making his second All Pro Team. 8 interceptions, punted 66 times for a 34 yards-per-punt average and even had a 74-yard kickoff return touchdown against the Giants.
Barry Sanders
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Barry Sanders
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Bobby Layne
15-Year Hall of Fame Veteran quarterback. Played the majority of his time with the Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers. Led the Lions to 3 NFL Championships during the decade of the 1950s.
Barry Sanders
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Joe Schmidt, Alex Karras and the Detroit Lions defense closes in on Gale Sayers in 1965
Bears rookie runner Gale Sayers is closed in by Detroit Lions defenders Joe Schmidt and Alex Karras in 1965.
Lem Barney
Detroit Lions Great Alex Karras
Considered by many to be one of the most deserving players not in the Professional Football Hall of Fame, he is a member of the Hall of Fame 1960s team. He was a dominate defense tackle during his 12 years in the NFL being named to 4 Pro Bowls and 3 All-Pro Teams.
Gail Cogdill Lions vs Vikings, 1963
From the first Lions/Vikings game of 1963. The Lions won 28-10 and Cogdill had 3 catches for 50 yards and a touchdown. Also pictured is Vikings defender Tom Franckhauser who had an interception in the game.
Lem Barney
Doak Walker All Pro NFL Player
Alex Karras
Detroit Lions Legend Alex Karras played 12 seasons in the NFL.
Doak Walker
One of the Superstars of the early NFL of the 1950s. Rookie of the Year in 1950 his big-play ability was out-done only by his exceptional off-field character. After over 50 years he still ranks #14 on the Lions All-Time All-Purpose Yards list.
Barry Sanders Detroit Lions 1989-1998
Detroit Lions Great Rushed for over 15,000 yards in a 9 year career.
Lem Barney
Al Baker
Barry Sanders
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Barry Sanders
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Barry Sanders
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Alex Karras
A 1st Round Draft Pick in 1958 he was an consensus All-American as well as the 1957 Outland Trophy award winner at the University of Iowa. He was also the runner up in the Heisman Trophy voting.
Barry Sanders
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Barry Sanders
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Milt Plum
After a very successful 5 seasons with the Browns he was traded to Detroit in a deal that involved 6 players. And while he didn't have the same fame he enjoyed at Cleveland, he did manage to pass for over 8600 yards and 56 touchdowns.
He finished his 13 year career with 129 games, 1306 attempts, 2419 completions, a 54.0% completion percentage, 17,536 yards and 122 touchdowns.
dick-night-train-lane-1961-detroit-lions
Barry Sanders
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Jim Marshall of the Vikings Rushing Greg Landry of the Lions
The Vikings defensive great puts the heat on Lions quarterback Greg Landry. In their careers Jim Marshall is credited with 127 sacks and Greg Landry, a 15-year NFL veteran, passed for 16,052 yards and 98 touchdowns.
Barry Sanders
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Dick "Night Train" Lane
Alex Karras and Sam Wyche
Bengals quarterback Sam Wyche eludes Lions Defender Alex Karras
Barry Sanders
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Deacon Jones stops pass attempt of Lions Milt Plum
This pass play doesn't look like it's going anywhere as Rams Hall of Fame defensive lineman Deacon Jones (#75) leads the charge against Lions quarterback Milt Plum (#16). Fullback Tom Nowatzke (#35) can do little more than hope for the best.
Lem Barney
Barry Sanders
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Aex Karras, Detroit Lions Hall of Fame Tackle
Named to 9 All Pro Teams during his 12-year NFL carrier. Unofficially credited with 100 sacks.
Doak Walker
Detroit Lions All Pro of the early 1950s.
Old School NFL Quarterback Bobby Layne
Milt Plum
After a very successful 5 seasons with the Browns he was traded to Detroit in a deal that involved 6 players. And while he didn't have the same fame he enjoyed at Cleveland, he did manage to pass for over 8600 yards and 56 touchdowns.
He finished his 13 year career with 129 games, 1306 attempts, 2419 completions, a 54.0% completion percentage, 17,536 yards and 122 touchdowns.
Joe Schmidt
Hall of Fame Linebacker for the Detroit Lions during the 1950s and 1960s Joe Schmidt
Detroit Lions Great Gail Cogdill
Played in 127 games during his 11-year NFL career with the Lions, Colts and Falcons. 356 career catches, 5696 yards, a 16.0 YPC average and 34 touchdowns.
Joe Schmidt
Hall of Fame Linebacker for the Detroit Lions during the 1950s and 1960s Joe Schmidt
Bobby Layne
15-Year Hall of Fame Veteran quarterback. Played the majority of his time with the Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers. Led the Lions to 3 NFL Championships during the decade of the 1950s.
Joe Schmidt of the Detroit Lions Sacks Bart Starr of the Green Bay Packers in 1962
From the 1962 Thanksgiving Day win over the Pack - the Lions Legendary Linebacker brings down Bart Starr.
Yale Lary Defensive Back NFL 1952 to 1964
Drafted by Detroit in the third round of the 1952 NFL draft out of Texas A&M. Played a total of 11 seasons (missed the 1954 and 1955 seasons on active duty in the Army) for the Lions. Part of that great Lions defense of the 1950s decade. Played on 3 NFL Championship teams. Selected to 9 Pro Bowls and 3 1st-Team All Pro squads. Hall of Fame inductee in 1979.
Mike Lucci & Jerry Rush of the Lions and Jim Otto & Charlie Smith of the Raiders
Raiders and Lions play right after the NFL/AFL merger in 1970. The Lions won 28-14.
Pictured are Jim Otto (#00), Jerry Rush (#82), Mike Lucci (#53) & Charlie Smith (#23).
Detroit Lions Fullback Nick Pietrosante in the Early 1960s
The young fullback of the Detroit Lions around 1961 after he set a new team rushing mark for Detroit of 872 yards on the ground. He was also 4th in the NFL for rushing yards as well.
4 Lions form the Early 1960s -Nick Pietrosante, Joe Schmidt, Alex Karras & Earl Morrall
4 Lions greats from the early 1960s - fullback Nick Pietrosante, Middle Linebacker Joe Schmidt, Defensive Tackle Alex Karras & Quarterback Earl Morrall
Larry Hand of the Lions applies pressure to Steelers QB Terry Bradshaw
From the 1973 Steelers season opener victory over the Lions. Defensive lineman Larry Hand puts the heat on Terry Bradshaw.
Frank Ryan and Joe Schmidt
Detroit Lion Linebacker Joe Schmidt puts the heat on Cleveland Browns Quarterback Frank Ryan as Ryan just gets off a pass.
Lem Barney
Bobby Layne
15-Year Hall of Fame Veteran quarterback. Played the majority of his time with the Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers. Led the Lions to 3 NFL Championships during the decade of the 1950s.
Lions Great Yale Lary
11 season NFL veteran with 50 interceptions in his career. 3 All Pro selections and 9 Pro Bowls.
Night Train Lane knocks down a pass intended for Jimmy Orr in 1962
Lions legend Night Train Lane bats down a pass intended for Colts receiver Jimmy Orr. This play came with 11 seconds left in the game and helped preserve a 21-14 lead over the Colts in 1962.
Barry Sanders
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Joe Schmidt - Hall of Fame Detroit Lion Linebacker
Barry Sanders
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Barry Sanders
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Alex Karras and the Detroit Lions defense stops the Packers Bart Starr
All Pro Alex Karras leads the Detroit Lion defense as they close in on Packers QB Bart Starr. Also seen are Packers center Ken Bowman (#57) and Lion linebacker Ernie Clark (#59). Photo by sports journalist Rob Rigor.
Joe Schmidt
Bringing down Bart Starr
Defender Yale Lary Detroit Lions
11 season NFL veteran with 50 interceptions in his career. 3 All Pro selections and 9 Pro Bowls.
Bobby Layne
15-Year Hall of Fame Veteran quarterback. Played the majority of his time with the Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers. Led the Lions to 3 NFL Championships during the decade of the 1950s.
Yale Lary Lions Hall of Fame Defender
11 season NFL veteran with 50 interceptions in his career. 3 All Pro selections and 9 Pro Bowls.
Dick "Night Train" Lane
Mel Gray
Dick "Night Train" Lane
YA Tittle scores against Detroit in 1962
Lions cornerback can do little more than watch as Giants quarterback YA Tittle crosses the goal-line on a 4-yard boot leg in this 1962 contest between New York and Detroit. The Giants pulled the win off this day 17-14.
Mel Farr Lions NFL
In 7 seasons with Detroit he rushed for 3072 yards - 8th best All-Time Career Rushing Yards for the Lions.
Charlie Ane Detroit Lions 1953-1959
Mel Gray
Barry Sanders
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Detroit Lions Defender Night Train Lane
Still ranks #4 on the NFL All-Time Interceptions List.
Joe Schmidt
Hall of Fame Linebacker for the Detroit Lions during the 1950s and 1960s Joe Schmidt
Barry Sanders
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