Nick Pietrosante
A former 1st round pick from Notre Dame he was named Rookie of the Year in 1959.
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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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
Barry Sanders
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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.
Bobby Layne
Barry Sanders
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Lem Barney
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.
Lions Receiver Gail Cogdill catch against Rams in 1962
Making a catch against Carver Shannon and the Rams in 1963.
Dick "Night Train" Lane
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.
Carl Eller Sacks Bill Munson
The Viking Hall of Fame lineman snatches Lions quarterback Bill Munson (#19).
Al Baker and Detroit Defense against Craig Morton
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.
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 Detroit Lions 1989-1998
Detroit Lions Great Rushed for over 15,000 yards in a 9 year career.
Joe Schmidt
Hall of Fame Linebacker for the Detroit Lions during the 1950s and 1960s Joe Schmidt
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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Detroit Lion Defense 1950s
BrownRoger16
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.
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.
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.
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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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.
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.
Alex Karras
Sat out the entire 1963 NFL Season after being suspended for gambling on games.
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
Joe Schmidt
Hall of Fame Linebacker for the Detroit Lions during the 1950s and 1960s Joe Schmidt
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.
Detroit Lions Defender Night Train Lane
Still ranks #4 on the NFL All-Time Interceptions List.
Barry Sanders
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Jimmy "Spider" Allen
Jimmy "Spider" Allen - Defensive Back, Detroit Lions 1978-1981
Earl "Dutch" Clark Old School NFL
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.
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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Lem Barney
Barry Sanders
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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).
Lions Great Yale Lary
11 season NFL veteran with 50 interceptions in his career. 3 All Pro selections and 9 Pro Bowls.
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.
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.
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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Gene Washington
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Lem Barney
Pretty Baby Alex Karras in 1957
The Lions 1st-round pick of 1958 - Iowa standout Alex Karras.
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.
Doak Walker Detroit Lions Running Back
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.
Old School NFL Quarterback Bobby Layne
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.
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.
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).
Barry Sanders
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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.
Joe Schmidt
Hall of Fame Linebacker for the Detroit Lions during the 1950s and 1960s Joe Schmidt
Lions Earl Morrall
Played with the Detroit Lions 1958 to 1964.
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
.
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.
Doak Walker
Detroit Lions All Pro of the early 1950s.
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
Lions Hall of Fame Doak Walker
Hall of Fame Inductee in 1986.
49ers QB John Brodie and Lions Alex Karras
San Francisco 49ers quarterback John Brodie under pressure from Lions great Alex Karras.
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.
Dick "Night Train" Lane NFL Defensive Back
68 career interceptions. And that's still #4 in the NFL's All-Time Reecord book.
Charlie Ane Detroit Lions 1953-1959
Al Baker
Al Baker and the Detroit Defense
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.
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.
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.
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).
Defender Yale Lary Detroit Lions
11 season NFL veteran with 50 interceptions in his career. 3 All Pro selections and 9 Pro Bowls.
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.
Earl Morrall Detroit Lions
Played with Detroit for 7 seasons - 1959 to 1964
Alex Karras
Detroit Lions Legend Alex Karras played 12 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.
Barry Sanders
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Doak Walker
Doak Walker All Pro NFL Player
Barry Sanders
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Bobby Layne Detroit Lions in 1956
6-time Pro Bowler won 3 NFL Championships with the Detroit Lions.
Lem Barney
Johnny Unitas Passes Against the Detroit Lion Defense
The Detroit defense against Baltimore Great Johnny Unitas
Barry Sanders
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Al Baker
Al Baker, Defensive Lineman
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.
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.
Barry Sanders
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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.
Joe Schmidt, Detroit Lions 1953-1965
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.
Earl Dutch Clark 1935 Detroit Lions
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.
Barry Sanders
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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.
Lem Barney NFL
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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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.
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.
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.
Barry Sanders
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Bobby Layne 1953 Detroit Lions
Bobby Layne sets up tp pass in the 1953 Championship game against Cleveland
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.
Earl "Dutch" Clark
Earl "Dutch" Clark 1931-1938 - Detroit Lions
Alex Karras 1964 Detroit Lions
From 1964 after he had just returned from his 1-year suspension for gambling.
Lem Barney
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.
Detroit Lions Great Barry Sanders
In his 9-years in the NFL he never rushed rushed for less than 1100 yards in a season.
1961 Catch against the Rams by Gail Cogdill
Making a catch in 1961 against the Rams.
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.
Detroit Lions Defense led by Roger Brown
BrownRoger11
Barry Sanders
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Barry Sanders
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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.
Barry Sanders
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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.
Earl "Dutch" Clark
Earl "Dutch" Clark 1931-1938 - Detroit Lions
Eric Andolsek, Guard, Detroit Lions 1988-1991
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.
Barry Sanders
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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.
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.
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.
Al Baker
Al Baker, Detroit Lions
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.
Lions Runner Mel Farr in 1970
The Lions leading ground gainer and touchdown scorer in 1970 with 930 yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns.
Detroit Lions Great Alex Karras
Barry Sanders
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Bobby Layne Hall of Fame Quarterback
6 Time Pro Bowler and Hall of Fame Quarterback
Barry Sanders
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Barry Sanders
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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.
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 Detroit Lion Linebacker
Mel Farr Lions Runner
In 7 seasons with Detroit he rushed for 3072 yards - 8th best All-Time Career Rushing Yards for the Lions.
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.
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
Joe Schmidt Detroit Lions
Hall of Fame Linebacker for the Detroit Lions during the 1950s and 1960s
Gene Washington
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.
Barry Sanders
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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.
Barry Sanders
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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.
Barry Sanders
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Nick Pietrosante, Detroit Lions 1959-1965
Joe Schmidt
Hall of Fame Linebacker for the Detroit Lions during the 1950s and 1960s Joe Schmidt
Barry Sanders
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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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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.
Dick "Night Train" Lane
Doak Walker Detroit Lions NFL 1950-1955
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.
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.
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.
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.
Al Baker
Detroit Lions lineman Al Baker takes downs Craig Morton of the Broncos
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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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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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.
Joe Scmidt - Detroit Lions 1953-1965
SchmidtJoe3
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.
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
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.
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.
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).
Barry Sanders
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Barry Sanders
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Dick "Night Train" Lane
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).
Joe Schmidt
Hall of Fame Linebacker for the Detroit Lions during the 1950s and 1960s Joe Schmidt
Dick "Night Train" Lane
Bobby Layne of the Detroit Lions
Dick "Night Train" Lane
Eric Andolsek Detroit Lions 1988-1992
Barry Sanders
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Mel Gray
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.
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.
Mel Farr Lions NFL
In 7 seasons with Detroit he rushed for 3072 yards - 8th best All-Time Career Rushing Yards for the Lions.
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
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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
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.
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.
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.
Signal Caller Booby Layne of Detroit
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.
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.
Lem Barney
Barry Sanders
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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.
Lem Barney
Lem Barney
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
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 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.
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.
Barry Sanders
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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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Al Baker, Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions Defensive Lineman 1978-1982
Joe Schmidt
Bringing down Bart Starr
Doak Walker Lions Kicker
As well as playing running back he kicked and punted too. Scored 330 points kicking.
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.
Earl "Dutch" Clark
Earl "Dutch" Clark 1931-1938 - Detroit Lions
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.
Jimmy Allen and Bubba Baker Detroit Lions
Al Baker (#60) and Jimmy Allen (#20)
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.
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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Bobby Layne
Dick "Night Train" Lane
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.
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.
Barry Sanders
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Lem Barney
Mel Gray
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.
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.
Barry Sanders
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Al Baker
Earl "Dutch" Clark
Earl "Dutch" Clark 1931-1938 - Detroit Lions
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.
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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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.
Dick "Night Train" Lane
Barry Sanders
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Barry Sanders
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Doak Walker
NfL's high scorer in 1950 as a rookie with 128 point and again in 1955 with 96.
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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Mel Gray
Barry Sanders
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Earl "Dutch" Clark
Earl "Dutch" Clark 1931-1938 - Detroit Lions
Barry Sanders
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Lions Receiver Gail Cogdill
Barry Sanders
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Earl "Dutch" Clark
Earl "Dutch" Clark 1931-1938 - Detroit Lions
Barry Sanders
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Detroit Lion Defender Lem Barney
Lem Barney - Detroit Lions All-Pro Defensive Back 1967-1977.
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
Bobby Lane
NFL Great Bobby Lane
Barry Sanders
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Dick "Night Train" Lane
Barry Sanders
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Detroit Lions Kick Returner Mel Gray
Mel Farr
In 7 seasons with Detroit he rushed for 3072 yards - 8th best All-Time Career Rushing Yards for the Lions.
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.
dick-night-train-lane-1961-detroit-lions
Joe Schmidt
Hall of Fame Linebacker for the Detroit Lions during the 1950s and 1960s Joe Schmidt
Nick Pietrosante
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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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.
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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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.
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.
Alex Karras and Sam Wyche
Bengals quarterback Sam Wyche eludes Lions Defender Alex Karras