Things get a little physical here between the Lions Yale Lary and 49ers Billy Wilson. While Lary has handful of Wilson's facemask, Wilson gives Lary a bit of a close line. This picture probably comes from around 1957.
Lion Hall of Famer Yale Lary gets off the punt in 1961 against San Francisco. That looks like longtime 49er linebacker Matt Hazeltine.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
11 season NFL veteran with 50 interceptions in his career. 3 All Pro selections and 9 Pro Bowls.
11 season NFL veteran with 50 interceptions in his career. 3 All Pro selections and 9 Pro Bowls.
11 season NFL veteran with 50 interceptions in his career. 3 All Pro selections and 9 Pro Bowls.
11 season NFL veteran with 50 interceptions in his career. 3 All Pro selections and 9 Pro Bowls.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
