The Detroit Lions are a storied franchise in the National Football League, boasting an impressive history since their founding as the Portsmouth Spartans back in 1930. Today they play their home games at Ford Field, located right in downtown Detroit. Throughout their existence, the Lions have been known for having some of football’s greatest players and talented coaches who have led them to success on and off the field. With a passionate fan base cheering them on each week, it is no wonder why people love this team so much.
1. Joe Schmidt
Linebacker
Career
- 2× NFL champion (1953, 1957)
- 8× First-team All-Pro (1954–1959, 1961, 1962)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (1960, 1963)
- 10× Pro Bowl (1954–1963)
- NFL 1950s All-Decade Team
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
- Pride of the Lions
- Detroit Lions 75th Anniversary Team
- Detroit Lions All-Time Team
- Detroit Lions No. 56 retired
- First-team All-American (1952)
- Pittsburgh Panthers No. 65 retired
Joe Schmidt was a linebacker for the Detroit Lions from 1953 to 1965. He won two NFL championships with the Lions in 1957 and 1964, and also appeared in four Pro Bowls during his career.
After retiring as a player, Joe Schmidt served as head coach of the Detroit Lions from 1967 to 1972. He is one of just five coaches in NFL history to win more than 500 games at any level (including coaching).
In 2007, Schmidt was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame along with fellow Lion Dick LeBeau. Joe Schmidt is considered one of the greatest defensive coaches in NFL history. He was a key part of two championship teams with the Detroit Lions and won ten Pro Bowl appearances as an assistant coach.
In 2007, he took over as head coach of the New Orleans Saints and led them to their first playoff appearance in 14 years. He retired at the end of the 2016 season after coaching his final game for the Cincinnati Bengals against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Also Played For: pittsburgh panthers football, university of pittsburgh football
2. Barry Sanders
Running back
Career
- NFL Most Valuable Player (1997)
- 2× NFL Offensive Player of the Year (1994, 1997)
- NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (1989)
- 6× First-team All-Pro (1989–1991, 1994, 1995, 1997)
- 4× Second-team All-Pro (1992, 1993, 1996, 1998)
- 10× Pro Bowl (1989–1998)
- 4× NFL rushing yards leader (1990, 1994, 1996, 1997)
- NFL rushing touchdowns leader (1991)
- NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (1989)
- 2× Bert Bell Award (1991, 1997)
- Pride of the Lions
- Detroit Lions 75th Anniversary Team
- Detroit Lions All-Time Team
- Detroit Lions No. 20 retired
- Heisman Trophy (1988)
- Maxwell Award (1988)
- Walter Camp Award (1988)
- Big Eight Offensive Player of the Year (1988)
- Unanimous All-American (1988)
- Second-team All-American (1987)
- First-team All-Big Eight (1988)
- Oklahoma State Cowboys Ring of Honor
Barry Sanders is a hall of Famer and one of the most decorated running backs in NFL history. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1997, and he also won two Super Bowls with the Detroit Lions.
Sanders was born on July 16, 1968, in Wichita, Kansas. He attended Wichita North High School before going on to play college football at Oklahoma State University.
After being drafted by the Detroit Lions in 1989, Sanders quickly established himself as one of the best running backs in NFL history.
He led his team to back-to-back Super Bowl wins (1991 and 1992) while accumulating numerous other awards and accolades along the way.
Sanders retired from professional football following the 1998 season after playing for Detroit, Baltimore Ravens, Seattle Seahawks, and San Francisco 49ers over a 13-year career Sanders is one of the most decorated players in NFL history.
He was a five-time Pro Bowler, four-time First-team All-Pro, and two-time rushing yards leader. Sanders holds many Lions records, including most touchdowns scored (38) and total yards (18,521).
In 1997 he became the first player ever to win both the MVP and Offensive Player of the Year awards in the same season.
Sanders retired after 1998 with 14,396 career rushing yards and 66 total touchdowns—both second all-time behind Emmitt Smith's 18,551 yardage mark as well as 73 TDs which stands alone as an NFL record for any running back in history.
Also Played For: college football, heisman trophy nfl
3. Alex Karras
Defensive tackle
Career
- 3× First-team All-Pro (1960, 1961, 1965)
- 6× Second-team All-Pro (1962, 1964, 1966–1969)
- 4× Pro Bowl (1960–1962, 1965)
- NFL 1960s All-Decade team
- Pride of the Lions
- Detroit Lions 75th Anniversary Team
- Detroit Lions All-Time Team
- Outland Trophy (1957)
- 2× First-team All-American (1956, 1957)
Alex Karras was one of the most dominant defensive tackles in NFL history. He played for the Detroit Lions from 1958 to 1970 and is sixth all-time in sacks with 138.
Alex Karras was born on July 15, 1935, in Gary, Indiana. After high school, he attended Iowa where he played football and earned All-American honors as a junior in 1957.
The Detroit Lions drafted him with the 10th pick of the 1958 NFL Draft and he quickly became a cornerstone of their defense alongside Dick Butkus and Sam Huff.
His career ended prematurely due to multiple injuries but his impact on the game cannot be understated - especially given that he played at such an early stage of professional football's development compared to other stars.
Lawrence Taylor or Reggie White who emerged later in their careers (Karras had already turned 31 when he retired).
Alex Karras passed away on October 10, 2012, after a long battle with Parkinson's Disease which took its toll on his body over time; throughout his illness, he remained fiercely proud of his athletic legacy and continued speaking out about issues related to head trauma in sports culture until days before his death aged 77 years old.
Alex Karras was a dominant defensive lineman in the NFL during the 1960s. He was named to three consecutive first-team All-Pro teams and also won several awards, including being selected to play for the Pro Bowl twice.
After retiring from football, Alex Karras went on to have a successful career as a television commentator and coach.
Also Played For: the university of iowa, iowa hawkeyes football
4. Chris Spielman
Linebacker
Career
- First-team All-Pro (1991)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (1992, 1994)
- 4× Pro Bowl (1989–1991, 1994)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (1988)
- Pride of the Lions
- Detroit Lions 75th Anniversary Team
- Detroit Lions All-Time Team
- 2× Consensus All-American (1986, 1987)
- Lombardi Award (1987)
- Chic Harley Award (1987)
Chris Spielman has been with the Detroit Lions since 1988 and currently serves as a special assistant to the owner and CEO. He played football at Massillon Washington before attending Ohio State where he was a three-time All-American linebacker.
Spielman was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 1988 and spent his entire career with them, appearing in 128 games over 12 seasons including 10 Pro Bowl appearances.
After leaving the NFL, Chris became an orthopedic surgeon and worked for several teams in that capacity before joining the Lions as their special assistant in 2007.
Chris Spielman is a two-time Second-team All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler. Chris Spielman spent his entire 13-year career with the Detroit Lions, where he was named captain in 1997.
After retiring as a player, Chris Spielman served as an assistant coach for the Columbus Destroyers from 2005 to 2007 before joining the Lions front office as a special assistant to owner and CEO Martha Ford in 2020.
Also Played For: ohio state buckeyes football
5. Lem Barney
Defensive back
Career
- NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (1967)
- 2× First-team All-Pro (1968, 1969)
- 7× Pro Bowl (1967–1969, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1976)
- NFL interceptions leader (1967)
- NFL 1960s All-Decade Team
- Detroit Lions 75th Anniversary Team
- Detroit Lions All-Time Team
- Pride of the Lions
- Detroit Lions No. 20 retired
Lem Barney was a cornerback who played for the Detroit Lions from 1967 to 1977. He won two Super Bowls with the Lions, in 1972 and 1973. Lem Barney also appeared in three Pro Bowls during his career, all of which came in 1974-1976.
Lem Barney is now retired and lives near Memphis, Tennessee with his wife Linda and their four children. Lem Barney was one of the most successful defensive rookies in NFL history. He led the league with 10 interceptions and 56 total tackles in 1967.
Barney also played on two Pro Bowl teams, recorded seven sacks, and was a First-team All-Pro selection in both years he participated. After playing nine seasons for Detroit Lions, including five as an all-pro (1972–1975), Lem retired from professional football at the age of 36 due to injuries sustained while playing rugby union professionally overseas.
As part of his retirement ceremony, which took place during halftime of a game against Minnesota Vikings, Barney became only the second player ever to have his number retired by both his original team (Detroit Lions) and new team (Minnesota Vikings).
His former teammate Barry Sanders had previously been honored this way by Kansas City Chiefs in 1999 after he abruptly announced his retirement following that season's Super Bowl victory over Denver Broncos; however, because neither club owned.
Barney's rights they could not officially retire him with those franchises until 2007 when both clubs finally acquired them from relatives who wished him well into retirement.
Barney is currently involved with various philanthropic causes within the metro. Detroit region and has served on several boards including United.
Way Campaign Board Chairperson for Wayne County since 2004 where he raised more than $1 million dollars through events such as Celebrity Golf Outing & Auction benefiting. The Salvation Army Metropolitan Detroiter Kroc Center For Child Development among others 7.
With nearly 50 years dedicated to community service Barth now resides in Bloomfield Hills with their wife Carol Ann where they are raising their 4 children together.
Also Played For: jackson state
6. Bobby Layne
Career
- 3× NFL champion (1952, 1953, 1957)
- 2× First-team All-Pro (1952, 1956)
- 4× Second-team All-Pro (1953, 1954, 1958, 1959)
- 6× Pro Bowl (1951–1953, 1956, 1958, 1959)
- 2× NFL passing yards leader (1950, 1951)
- NFL passing touchdowns leader (1951)
- NFL completion percentage leader (1955)
- NFL scoring leader (1956)
- NFL 1950s All-Decade Team
- Pride of the Lions
- Detroit Lions 75th Anniversary Team
- Detroit Lions All-Time Team
- Detroit Lions No. 22 retired
- Pittsburgh Steelers Legends team
- Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor
- Pittsburgh Pro Football Hall of Fame
- Consensus All-American (1947)
- Second-team All-American (1946)
- Texas Longhorns No. 22 retired
Bobby Layne was a quarterback and kicker who played in the National Football League for thirteen seasons.
He is best known for his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he helped lead them to three Super Bowl championships (1958, 1959, 1960).
In addition to his playing career, Bobby also served as head coach of the Detroit Lions from 1963–1965 and the Los Angeles Rams from 1966-1971. He died in 1986 at the age of 59 after a long battle with cancer.
Bobby Layne was a Hall of Fame quarterback who played for the Detroit Lions from 1948 to 1958.
He won three NFL championships, two first-team All-Pro honors, and four second-team All-Pro selections. Bobby Layne led the league in passing yards twice and touchdown passes once during his career.
He also finished as the top passer in 1955 and 1956, respectively. After retiring from football, Layne served as an executive with Ford Motor Company for many years before dying at the age of 70 in 2002.
Also Played For: texas longhorns football
7. Matthew Stafford
Quarterback
Career
- Super Bowl champion (LVI)
- NFL Comeback Player of the Year (2011)
- Pro Bowl (2014)
- Detroit Lions All-Time Team
- First-team All-American (2008)
- Second-team All-SEC (2008)
Stafford was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the first round of the 2009 NFL Draft. Stafford has spent his entire career with the Lions, appearing in 119 games and completing 6,191 passes for 54,944 yards and 313 touchdowns.
In 2018, Stafford had a season that was somewhat disappointing as he completed just under 60% of his passes for 3,829 yards but only 21 touchdowns against 14 interceptions.
The Rams acquired Stafford during the offseason of 2021 after trading for him from Detroit.
Stafford is a three-time NFL champion and two-time Pro Bowler. Stafford has led the Detroit Lions to back-to-back playoff appearances, including an appearance in Super Bowl XLVIII.
In 2015, Stafford became the first player ever to complete 60% or more of his passes in every game of a season.
Also Played For: georgia bulldogs football, national football conference
8. Calvin Johnson
Wide receiver
Career
- 3× First-team All-Pro (2011–2013)
- Second-team All-Pro (2010)
- 6× Pro Bowl (2010–2015)
- 2× NFL receiving yards leader (2011, 2012)
- NFL receptions leader (2012)
- NFL receiving touchdowns co-leader (2008)
- NFL 2010s All-Decade Team
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2007)
- Detroit Lions All-Time Team
- Biletnikoff Award (2006)
- ACC Player of the Year (2006)
- ACC Rookie of the Year (2004)
- 2× First-team All-American (2005, 2006)
- 3× First-team All-ACC (2004–2006)
Calvin Johnson is one of the most decorated wide receivers in NFL history. He has been a four-time Pro Bowler and was named to the All-Pro First Team twice.
Calvin Johnson also holds the record for most receiving yards in a single season with 1,964 yards in 2012. In 2017, he announced his retirement from professional football after 14 seasons with Detroit Lions.
Calvin Johnson will always be remembered as one of the best wide receivers to ever play the game and he leaves an incredible legacy behind him. Calvin Johnson is one of the most accomplished and decorated players in NFL history.
He has six Pro Bowl appearances, two NFL receiving yards leaders, and was a part of three All-Decade Teams. He also holds many records in the league, including most receptions in a season and consecutive 100-yard receiving games.
Calvin Johnson's impact on both his team and individual performances has been unmatched by any other player at his position over the past decade or so.
Also Played For: madden nfl 15
9. T. J. Hockenson
Tight end
Career
- 2× Pro Bowl (2020, 2022)
- John Mackey Award (2018)
- Ozzie Newsome Award (2018)
- First-team All-Big Ten (2018)
- Kwalick–Clark Tight End of the Year (2018)
T. J. Hockenson was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in 2019 and has since become an important part of their offense. He is a tight end who excels at catching passes, something that will be key for them as they continue to try and improve upon last season's results.
T. J. Hockenson attended Chariton (IA) High School before going on to play college football at Iowa State University from 2016-2018 where he caught 98 passes for 1,222 yards and nine touchdowns in his three seasons there combined.
After being drafted eighth overall by the Detroit Lions in the 2019 NFL Draft, but not signing with them due to NCAA rules violations which he committed while playing for Iowa State University,
Hockenson signed with the Minnesota Vikings instead and has been one of their most reliable players ever since then-coach. Mike Zimmer brought him into the fold midway through the 2020 season campaign.
T. J. Hockenson is a dynamic tight end who has had an impressive NFL career so far. He was drafted in the second round of the 2018 draft and has quickly become one of the best players in his position in the league.
His ability to create mismatches against defenders has been key to his success, as he often lines up against single coverage or defensive backs on deep routes. Hockenson also brings much-needed speed and athleticism to an offense that can be sluggish at times and lacks explosiveness downfield.
He is surehanded with good ball skills, which makes him a threat both as a receiver and as a blocker in passing situations.
There are still areas of Hockenson's game that need improvement, but he is well on his way to becoming one of the top pass catchers in the NFL over time.
Also Played For: fantasy playoff, nfl playoff
10. Frank Ragnow
Offensive lineman
Career
- Second-team All-Pro (2020)
- 2× Pro Bowl (2020, 2022)
- Second-team All-SEC (2016)
- Second-team All-American (2017)
Ragnow was a standout high school player in Victoria, Minnesota and was recruited by several Division I programs. He eventually chose to play for Arkansas, where he made an immediate impact on the offensive line as a freshman.
Ragnow played all four seasons at Arkansas and emerged as one of the best centers in the nation. In his junior year, he won SEC Offensive Lineman of the Year honors after putting up impressive stats across the board including 8½ sacks allowed and 114 knockdowns.
The Detroit Lions selected Ragnow with their first-round pick (20th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft and he has since started all 16 games for them at the center. His ability to anchor an offense while also providing decent pass protection is a major asset for the team moving forward Frank Ragnow is an All-Pro center in the NFL.
He was drafted by the Detroit Lions with the 23rd overall pick of the 2020 draft. In his rookie season, he started all 16 games and helped lead them to a 10-6 record. In his second year, he again started all 16 games and led the Lions to another 10-6 record, earning him Second-Team All-Pro honors.
His third year saw him start 12 games before injuring his ankle in Week 15 against Jacksonville Jaguars, ending his season prematurely after playing in 11 total contests that year due to injury; however, he finished 3rd on the team with 49 tackles (41 solo) and 2 sacks despite missing significant time for most of it (8/21 through 9/11).
Frank Ragnow’s fourth year began on a high note as he won NFC Offensive Lineman of The Month for September after starting every game at left guard. The first player ever to win this award three times consecutively since its inception back in 1978—and helping pave way for Ameer Abdullah’s 1,923 rushing yards.
These were good enough for 5th place league-wide behind Todd Gurley II (1,305), Ezekiel Elliott (1,324), David Johnson Jr./Arizona Cardinals RB(1,381), Alvin Kamara LA Rams RB(1,554) & Saquon Barkley Penn State RB(2140)).
This also earned him First Team All-Pro accolades from both PFF & PFWA alongside teammate Kerry Hyder who had been selected. Third Team AP but missed 4 weeks due to suspension Weeks 6-10 while serving a one-game suspension coming off their playoff victory over Atlanta Falcons.
Frank Ragnow entered into Year 5 having seemingly cemented himself as one of the premier centers in football and looking forward to contending for championships during what should be yet another excellent campaign.
11. Dick LeBeau
Cornerback
Career
- Philadelphia Eagles (1973–1975)
- Special teams coach
- Green Bay Packers (1976–1979)
- Defensive backs coach
- Cincinnati Bengals (1980–1983)
- Defensive backs coach
- Cincinnati Bengals (1984–1991)
- Defensive coordinator
- Pittsburgh Steelers (1992–1994)
- Defensive backs coach
- Pittsburgh Steelers (1995–1996)
- Defensive coordinator
- Cincinnati Bengals (1997–2000)
- Defensive coordinator & assistant head coach
- Cincinnati Bengals (2000–2002)
- Head coach
- Buffalo Bills (2003)
- Assistant head coach
- Pittsburgh Steelers (2004–2014)
- Defensive coordinator
- Tennessee Titans (2015–2017)
- Defensive coordinator & assistant head coach
Dick LeBeau is a 15-time Pro Bowler and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1997. He played for the Cleveland Browns (1959–1972) and Detroit Lions (1959–1972).
In 1996, he became the NFL's Vice President of Player Development. He has also served as an assistant coach with the Baltimore Ravens, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Tennessee Titans.
Dick LeBeau is considered one of the greatest defensive coordinators in NFL history. During his time with the Pittsburgh Steelers, he helped lead them to two Super Bowl victories. He was also named head coach of the Buffalo Bills in 2003, but was fired after just two seasons.
Since then, he has been a coaching consultant for various teams around the league.
12. Billy Sims
Running back
Career
- Offensive Rookie of the Year (1980)
- First-team All-Pro (1981)
- Second-team All-Pro (1980)
- 3× Pro Bowl (1980–1982)
- NFL rushing touchdowns co-leader (1980)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (1980)
- Detroit Lions 75th Anniversary Team
- Detroit Lions All-Time Team
- Detroit Lions No. 20 retired
- Heisman Trophy (1978)
- UPI Player of the Year (1978)
- Davey O'Brien Memorial Trophy (1978)
- 2× Consensus All-American (1978, 1979)
Sims was one of the most talented running backs in NFL history, and he helped lead the Detroit Lions to a championship in 1983. Sims also played for the Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons during his career, but he is best known for his time with the Detroit Lions.
Sims retired from football after playing four seasons with the Atlanta Falcons in 1994. In 2000, Sims was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of their second class of inductees.
Sims has since worked as an analyst on various sports shows and contributed to several books about American football.
Sims was one of the most highly-touted running backs in college football, and he quickly proved himself as one of the best players in the NFL. Sims was a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro, while also being named Rookie of the Year in 1980.
He is considered to be one of Detroit's all-time greatest players, and his number 20 has been retired by the Lions.
Also Played For: oklahoma sooners football
13. Ndamukong Suh
Defensive tackle
Career
- Super Bowl champion (LV)
- NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (2010)
- 3× First-team All-Pro (2010, 2013, 2014)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (2012, 2016)
- 5× Pro Bowl (2010, 2012–2014, 2016)
- NFL 2010s All-Decade Team
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2010)
- Outland Trophy (2009)
- Lombardi Award (2009)
- Bronko Nagurski Trophy (2009)
- Chuck Bednarik Award (2009)
- Bill Willis Trophy (2009)
- AP College Football Player of the Year (2009)
- Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year (2009)
- Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year (2009)
- Unanimous All-American (2009)
- 2× First-team All-Big 12 (2008, 2009)
- Nebraska Cornhuskers Jersey No. 93 retired
Ndamukong Suh is a defensive tackle who has played for the Detroit Lions, Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Rams, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in his career. Ndamukong Suh was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the 2010 NFL Draft and he quickly became one of their best players.
In 2015, Suh joined the Miami Dolphins and helped them to make it to the playoffs that year. However, after two seasons with Miami, he was traded to the Los Angeles Rams where he continued to be an influential player on their defense.
In 2018, Suh moved to Tampa Bay and helped them reach Super Bowl LIII where they lost to the New England Patriots 33-28 Ndamukong Suh is one of the most dominant and controversial defensive players in NFL history.
He has been a three-time first-team All-Pro, and two-time second-team All-Pro player. In his rookie season, he was named Defensive Rookie of the Year and won numerous awards including being awarded the Outland Trophy as well as Chuck Bednarik Award and Bill Willis Trophy.
Ndamukong Suh's career highlights also include winning Super Bowl XLV with the Philadelphia Eagles, making him one of only six players to win multiple titles with different teams in the same decade (2010−2019).
Also Played For: madden nfl 18, nebraska cornhuskers football
14. Doak Walker
Career
- 2× NFL champion (1952, 1953)
- NFL Rookie of the Year (1950)
- 4× First-team All-Pro (1950, 1951, 1953, 1954)
- 5× Pro Bowl (1950, 1951, 1953–1955)
- 2× NFL scoring leader (1950, 1955)
- Pride of the Lions
- Detroit Lions 75th Anniversary Team
- Detroit Lions All-Time Team
- Detroit Lions No. 37 retired
- Heisman Trophy (1948)
- Maxwell Award (1947)
- 3× Consensus All-American (1947–1949)
- SMU Mustangs Jersey No. 37 honored
Walker was a halfback, placekicker and punter in the NFL. He played for the Dallas Cowboys (1949-1953) and San Francisco 49ers (1954). Walker is one of only two players to be elected to both the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the College Football Hall of Fame.
Walker died from pancreatic cancer at age 71 in 1998. He was a Heisman Trophy winner and NFL scoring leader. Walker played for the Detroit Lions from 1950 to 1955, winning two championships along the way. He is also remembered for his contributions on the field as well as in philanthropy.
Also Played For: smu mustangs
15. Greg Landry
Quarterback
Career
- Detroit Lions (1968–1978)
- Baltimore Colts (1979–1981)
- Chicago Blitz (1983)
- Arizona Wranglers (1984)
- Chicago Bears (1984)
Greg Landry is a former quarterback who played in the NFL for over 20 years. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 1968, and spent time with them before moving to Baltimore Colts and then Chicago Blitz.
He ended his career with the Chicago Bears. Greg Landry has been involved in coaching throughout his career, most recently serving as quarterbacks coach for Arizona Wranglers from 1984 to the 1985 season.
Landry was a standout quarterback at the University of Illinois where he led his team to back-to-back conference championships.
He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round of the 1985 NFL Draft and spent four seasons with them, winning three Pro Bowls. Landry signed with the Chicago Bears in 1988 and helped them win two more Super Bowl titles during his tenure there.
After retiring from football, Landry went on to work as an offensive coordinator for several teams including the Detroit Lions and Illinois Fighting Illini before joining ESPN as their lead college football analyst in 2014.
Also Played For: university of massachusetts amherst
16. Herman Moore
Career
- 3× First-team All-Pro (1995–1997)
- Second-team All-Pro (1994)
- 4× Pro Bowl (1994–1997)
- 2× NFL receptions leader (1995, 1997)
- Pride of the Lions
- Detroit Lions 75th Anniversary Team
- Detroit Lions All-Time Team
- Consensus All-American (1990)
- Virginia Cavaliers Jersey No. 87 retired
- Virginia Sports Hall of Fame (2010)
Herman Moore was a 10th-round draft pick by the Detroit Lions in 1991. He played for the Lions from 1991 to 2001 and then had a short stint with the New York Giants in 2002.
Moore is best known for his time with the Detroit Lions, where he won two Super Bowls (1991, 1997). Moore also made three Pro Bowl appearances and led the league in receiving yards twice (1995, 1996).
After leaving the NFL, Moore spent several years playing semi-pro football before retiring in 2007 at age 38. Herman Moore was a star at Virginia and in the NFL. He was one of the most productive receivers in history, helping lead his teams to multiple Pro Bowl appearances and two NFL receptions leader titles.
Moore is also a member of the Detroit Lions Hall of Fame and Virginia Sports Hall of Fame.
Also Played For: virginia cavaliers football
17. Charlie Sanders
Career
- 3× First-team All-Pro (1969–1971)
- 7× Pro Bowl (1968–1971, 1974–1976)
- NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
- Pride of the Lions
- Detroit Lions 75th Anniversary Team
- Detroit Lions All-Time Team
Sanders was a three-time Pro Bowler and one of the most prolific tight ends in NFL history. Sanders played for Detroit Lions from 1968 to 1977, helping the team reach two Super Bowls during that time.
After retiring as a player, Sanders became an analyst for ESPN and Fox Sports 1. He died at the age of 68 after a long battle with cancer. Sanders was one of the greatest receivers in NFL history and a key part of four Detroit Lions teams that made it to the playoffs.
He is third all-time in receptions (336) and receiving yards (4,817), fourth in touchdown catches (31) and second on the Lions' all-time scoring list. Sanders also had success as a punt returner, with five returns for touchdowns during his career - tied for fifth most in NFL history.
Sanders was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004 and received the Walter Payton Man of The Year Award from the National Football League Charities Foundation two years later.
18. D'Andre Swift
Running back
Career
- First-team All-SEC (2019)
- Second-team All-SEC (2018)
D'Andre Swift was born on January 14, 1999, in Philadelphia, PA. He attended Saint Joseph's Prep before enrolling at Georgia to play football in 2017-2019.
In his freshman year of college, Swift rushed for 1,609 yards and 17 touchdowns on 339 carries (5.6 avg) while also catching 36 passes for 421 yards (8.1 avg).
As a sophomore in 2019, D'Andre burst onto the scene with 1,343 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns on 264 carries (5.9 avg), along with 39 receptions for 495 yards and two scores through the air (16 ypc).
The Detroit Lions selected him with the 35th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft and he is set to join their team during the upcoming season as they look to return to glory under new head coach Matt Patricia.
D'Andre Swift is a talented rusher and receiver for the Tennessee Titans. He was first-team All-SEC in 2019 and second-team all-conference in 2018. Swift has had success both at running the ball and catching passes out of the backfield.
In his rookie season, he led all NFL rookies with 1,655 rushing yards while also scoring 18 touchdowns on 149 receptions. With his combination of speed and power, Swift could be a key part of the Titan's offense for years to come.
19. Taylor Decker
Tackle
Career
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2016)
- CFP national champion (2015)
- Consensus All-American (2015)
- Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year (2015)
- First-team All–Big Ten (2015)
- Second-team All–Big Ten (2014)
Taylor Decker was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 2016, and he has been with the team ever since. He started at left tackle for the Lions during his rookie season, but injuries have forced him to move around a bit over the years.
In 2018, Decker finally became entrenched as a starter at right tackle after playing there sporadically earlier in his career. He is considered one of the best offensive tackles in the league and is an important part of the Detroit Lions' success on offense year after year.
Taylor Decker was a consensus All-American and first-team All-Big Ten performer at Michigan before being selected by the Detroit Lions as the No. 6 overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft. Decker has started all 85 games he’s played in his career, including 12 starts this season for the Lions.
He ranks third on Detroit’s all-time list with 2,055 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns on 213 receptions (16th in NFL history).
Decker was named PFWA All-Rookie Team member following his rookie campaign and helped lead Detroit to a victory over New England Patriots in Super Bowl 51 as part of an undefeated season that also earned him MVP honors from ESPN Radio.
20. Jeff Backus
Tackle
Career
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2001)
- National champion (1997)
Jeff Backus is a former NFL offensive tackle who played for the Detroit Lions and Atlanta Falcons. Backus was drafted in the first round of the 2001 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions, but he only played one season with them before being traded to the Atlanta Falcons.
With the Falcons, Backus won two Super Bowls (2005 and 2008) and made five All-Pro teams during his career.
After his retirement from football, Jeff became a television analyst for both college football and professional football games. Jeff Backus was a dominant player in the NFL for over a decade.
He started 191 games and won two championships with the Detroit Lions. Jeff Backus is known for his toughness, as he has never missed a game due to injury throughout his career.
Jeff Backus is also an excellent pass blocker, which helped him become one of the best at his position during his time in the NFL.
In 2012, Jeff Backus retired after 11 seasons in the NFL – making him one of the longest-serving players of all time.
21. Aidan Hutchinson
Defensive end
Career
- Ted Hendricks Award (2021)
- Lombardi Award (2021)
- Lott Trophy (2021)
- Nagurski–Woodson Defensive Player of the Year (2021)
- Smith–Brown Defensive Lineman of the Year (2021)
- Unanimous All-American (2021)
- First-team All-Big Ten (2021)
- Third-team All-Big Ten (2019)
Aidan Hutchinson was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 2022. Aidan Hutchinson is a defensive end for the Detroit Lions and has appeared in 36 games since being drafted.
Aidan Hutchinson played college football at Michigan from 2018-2021, where he helped lead the Wolverines to a Big Ten championship and a berth in the 2020 College Football Playoff National Championship game.
Aidan Hutchinson is currently with the Detroit Lions and is considered active on their roster. Aidan Hutchinson is a rising star in the NFL. He has consistently been one of the best defenders at his position and will only get better with time.
Aidan Hutchinson was an all-American and first-team All-Big Ten player as a sophomore, making him one of the most highly regarded players in college football. The Indianapolis Colts selected Aidan Hutchinson with the 17th overall pick in the 2020 draft, and he is already making an impact on defense for them.
With continued success over the next few years, Aidan Hutchinson could very well be considered one of the greatest defenders to ever play in the NFL.
Also Played For: mock draft
22. Penei Sewell
Tackle
Career
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2021)
- Outland Trophy (2019)
- Morris Trophy (2019)
- Unanimous All-American (2019)
Penei Sewell is an offensive tackle for the Detroit Lions. He was born on October 9, 2000, in Malaeimi, American Samoa, and attended Desert Hills High School in St.
George, Utah before enrolling at Oregon State University in 2018. Sewell played college football at Oregon and was a part of the team that won the Pac-12 conference championship his junior year before being drafted by the Lions in 2021 with pick 7th overall.
Penei has shown potential both as a run blocker and pass protector during his short career so far and looks to be developing into a long-term starter for Detroit Sewell was a four-star recruit and the No. 5 cornerback in the nation according to 247Sports.
Sewell played for the Tigers from 2019–2021, recording 76 tackles, five interceptions, and two fumble recoveries during his time in Detroit.
Sewell is expected to be drafted in 2020, but he has not yet decided which team he will play for as of now.
23. Dré Bly
Career
- Super Bowl champion (XXXIV)
- 2× Pro Bowl (2003, 2004)
- NFL Fumble Return Yards Leader (2003)
- St. Louis Rams 10th Anniversary Team
- ACC Rookie of the Year (1996)
- 2× Consensus All-American (1996, 1997)
- North Carolina Tar Heels Jersey No. 31 honored
Dré Bly played cornerback for the St. Louis Rams and Detroit Lions from 1999 to 2006. In 2007, he joined the Denver Broncos as a defensive backs coach under head coach Mike Shanahan.
He was promoted to assistant head coach in 2009 and then acting head coach in 2010 after Shanahan's resignation due to health issues.
In 2013, Bly was hired by new Broncos' Head Coach John Fox as their full-time cornerback's coach and secondary coordinator Dré Bly has also served as an assistant NFL defensive coordinator with Philadelphia (2011), Carolina (2012–2013), Baltimore (2014) and San Francisco(2015).
Dré Bly was drafted by the 49ers in the first round of the 1999 NFL Draft. He played for San Francisco from 1999 to 2004 and helped lead them to a Super Bowl victory in XXXIV. After leaving the NFL, he returned to North Carolina as an assistant coach under Butch Davis.
In 2019, he was hired as the new head coach of North Carolina’s cornerbacks team. Dré Bly is one of only two players ever selected in both the 1st and 2nd rounds of a draft (the other being hall-of-Famer Ronnie Lott).
He was also an All-American at North Carolina and holds numerous school records, including career interceptions (21) and passes breakups (54). His nickname “Dré Bly” comes from his initials combined with his last name – pronounced “dray bee” – which is French for “very bright lightning bolt.
Also Played For: north carolina tar heels football, st louis rams
24. Mel Farr
Running back
Career
- NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (1967)
- Second-team All-Pro (1970)
- 2× Pro Bowl (1967, 1970)
- Consensus All-American (1966)
- 2× First-team All-Pacific-8 (1965, 1966)
Mel Farr was a running back for the UCLA Bruins from 1965 to 1967. He was drafted in the first round of the 1967 NFL Draft by the Detroit Lions and played there until 1971.
After his playing career, he became a coach and served as offensive coordinator for several teams including the Miami Dolphins and San Francisco 49ers before retiring in 2006.
Mel Farr died on August 3, 2015, at age 70 after a long battle with cancer Mel Farr was a running back for the Detroit Lions from 1967 to 1973. He won two Pro Bowls and became an all-American in 1966.
Farr led the NFL in rushing touchdowns twice, with 26 total scores over that span. His 4,200 career yards on the ground rank fifth all-time behind only Barry Sanders, Jim Brown, Walter Payton and Eric Dickerson among running backs with at least 1,000 carries.
After retiring as a player, Farr served as director of player personnel for the Philadelphia Eagles before being fired midway through his second year thereafter accusations of mistreatment of players surfaced (he was later acquitted).
In 2006, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in recognition of his accomplishments both on and off the field while playing college football at UCLA.
25. Luther Elliss
Career
- 2× Pro Bowl (1999, 2000)
- Consensus All-American (1994)
- WAC Defensive Player of the Year (1994)
- 3× First-team All-WAC (1992–1994)
Luther Elliss is a defensive tackles coach for the Utah Utes. Luther Elliss played football at Mancos High School in Colorado and then went on to play for the Detroit Lions and Denver Broncos as a professional player.
Luther Elliss began his coaching career as an assistant coach with the Denver Broncos before joining the Utah Utes staff in 2016. Luther Elliss' primary focus as a defensive tackles coach is mentoring, teaching, and developing players into successful professionals both on and off the field.
Luther Elliss is a defensive line coach for the Utah Utes and has been since 2022. Luther Elliss was an All-American at Brigham Young University, where he won WAC Defensive Player of the Year in 1994.
Luther Elliss played 11 seasons in the NFL with the San Francisco 49ers (1994-2000), Philadelphia Eagles (2001), and Indianapolis Colts (2002).
LutherElliss spent his final two seasons as a member of the Dallas Cowboys coaching staff before moving to Salt Lake City to work with Utah’s defense in 2022.
Also Played For: utah utes football
26. Yale Lary
Career
- 3× NFL champion (1952, 1953, 1957)
- 3× First-team All-Pro (1956, 1958, 1962)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (1967, 1959)
- 9× Pro Bowl (1953, 1956–1962, 1964)
- NFL 1950s All-Decade Team
- Pride of the Lions
- Detroit Lions 75th Anniversary Team
- Detroit Lions All-Time Team
- All-SWC (1951)
Yale Lary was a safety, punter, and return specialist in the NFL. He played for the Detroit Lions from 1952 to 1964. Yale Lary also played for the Detroit Falcons (1965) and Baltimore Colts (1966).
He died on May 11, 2017, at age 86 after a long career in professional football. Yale Lary was an NFL quarterback and three-time champion. Yale played most of his career with the Detroit Lions, where he won nine Pro Bowls.
He also made first-team All-Pro twice and was a two-time Second Team All-Pro selection. His best season came in 1957 when he led the NFL in passing yards and completed more than half of his passes for 3,000 yards – an all-time record at the time.
After retiring from football, Lary became a broadcaster for both radio and television stations across America before passing away in 2001 at the age of 75.
27. Cliff Avril
Defensive end
Career
- Super Bowl champion (XLVIII)
- Pro Bowl (2016)
- Second-team All-Big Ten (2007)
Cliff Avril is an imposing defensive end who played for the Detroit Lions and Seattle Seahawks in the NFL. He was drafted by the Lions in 2008 and spent six seasons with them before moving to Seattle in 2013.
Avril has been a key player for both teams, recording 173 tackles, 38 sacks, two interceptions, five forced fumbles, and one touchdown during his career. At 36 years old, he may be nearing the end of his playing days but looks set to continue his legacy as one of the best defensive ends in NFL history.
Cliff Avril is a pro-bowl winning defensive end who has played in the NFL since 2007. He was drafted by Seattle Seahawks in 2008 and quickly became one of their best players, playing alongside such legends as Steve Hutchinson and Shaun Alexander.
In 2013 he moved to Detroit Lions where he continued his impressive play until 2017 when he signed with the Arizona Cardinals.
Cliff Avril's career highlights include being a two-time Super Bowl champion (XLVIII & XLIX) and Pro Bowler (2016). He also holds records for sacks, forced fumbles, fumble recoveries, and interceptions in the NFL, making him one of the most successful defenders ever to play the game.
Also Played For: purdue boilermakers football
28. Amon-Ra St. Brown
Wide receiver
Career
- Detroit Lions (2021–present)
Amon-Ra had a standout career at USC, where he caught 119 passes for 1,589 yards and 10 touchdowns. The Lions selected him in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
He made his professional debut in Week 2 of that season against the New York Giants and recorded two receptions for 32 yards. In Week 5, St Brown hauled in five catches for 101 yards to help Detroit defeat the Philadelphia Eagles 33–23.
As a rookie wideout with Detroit, St Brown appeared in all 16 games and tallied 44 receptions for 441 yards (10th among rookies) and one touchdown on an 85% catch rate Amon-Ra St. Brown was a standout wide receiver in college, earning First-team All-Pac-12 honors as a junior and senior while at Arizona State.
The Lions drafted him with the 20th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, and he has started all 16 games for them this season. He has totaled 190 receptions for 2,024 yards and 11 touchdowns so far this year.
With Andre Roberts likely to retire after the 2021 season, St. Brown could be poised for an even bigger role on Detroit's offense next year - especially if they are able to sign Marvin Jones Jr.
29. Roger Brown
Career
- 2× First-team All-Pro (1962, 1963)
- 6× Pro Bowl (1962–1967)
- Detroit Lions 75th Anniversary Team
- Detroit Lions All-Time Team
- Pride of the Lions
- Virginia Sports Hall of Fame
Roger Brown was a defensive tackle who played for the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams during his NFL career. He was drafted in 1960 and spent time with both teams before retiring in 1966.
Roger Brown is best known for helping lead the Los Angeles Rams to their first-ever Super Bowl victory in 1969, which they went on to win against the Baltimore Colts. Roger Brown passed away on September 17th, 2021 at the age of 84 after a long and successful football career.
Brown was one of the most successful safeties in NFL history. He played for the Detroit Lions from 1962 to 1967 and was twice named first-team All-Pro. Brown also earned six Pro Bowl appearances during his career, including two straight from 1963 to 1964.
Brown is a member of both the College Football Hall of Fame and Virginia Sports Hall of Fame, as well as being enshrined in the Detroit Lions 75th Anniversary Team and All-Time Teams respectively.
30. Trey Flowers
Defensive end
Career
- New England Patriots (2015–2018)
- Detroit Lions (2019–2021)
- Miami Dolphins (2022–present)
Trey Flowers was drafted by the New England Patriots in the fourth round of the 2015 NFL Draft. He played for three seasons with the New England Patriots before being traded to Detroit Lions in 2019.
Trey Flowers has been a key player for both teams, accumulating 136 tackles and seven sacks during his career thus far. Trey Flowers was a two-time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots.
He is considered one of the top pass rushers in the NFL and has racked up 265 tackles, 31.5 sacks, 10 forced fumbles, and 4 fumble recoveries throughout his career.
Flowers also plays special teams for the Miami Dolphins and is known for being an explosive hitter on kick returns as well as coverage units.
31. Alex Wojciechowicz
Career
- 2× NFL champion (1948, 1949)
- 2× First-team All-Pro (1939, 1944)
- NFL 1940s All-Decade Team
- Pride of the Lions
- Detroit Lions 75th Anniversary Team
- Detroit Lions All-Time Team
- Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame
- Philadelphia Eagles 75th Anniversary Team
- Order of the Leather Helmet (1982)
- 2× Consensus All-American (1936, 1937)
Alex Wojciechowicz was a center and linebacker for the Detroit Lions from 1938-1946. He played in two NFL championship games with the Eagles but never won one.
After his playing career ended, he became an assistant coach with the Lions for four seasons before retiring in 1950. Alex passed away on July 13, 1992, at the age of 76 after a long illness.
Alex Wojciechowicz was an all-time great defensive tackle for the Detroit Lions during the 1940s. He played college football at Penn State and was a consensus All-American in 1936 and 1937. In 1948, he helped lead the Lions to their second NFL championship victory, as well as first-team All-Pro honors.
After retiring from playing football, Alex moved on to have a successful career in business before passing away in 2011 at the age of 86. Alex is remembered fondly by his former teammates and fans alike for his hard work, dedication to the game of football, and unforgettable personality.
32. Johnnie Morton
Career
- Detroit Lions (1994–2001)
- Kansas City Chiefs (2002–2004)
- San Francisco 49ers (2005)
Morton was drafted in the first round by the Detroit Lions in 1994 and played with them for six seasons. He had a productive career, recording over 1,000 yards receiving each season from 1995 to 2001.
Morton is best known for his spectacular catches in key moments of games, including an 80-yard touchdown catch against the New Orleans Saints during the 1998 playoffs that helped lead Detroit to their first Super Bowl victory.
In 2001, he signed with the Arizona Cardinals and spent two seasons there before retiring at age 34 due to injuries sustained while playing football professionally. Johnnie Morton was a wide receiver for the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers in the NFL.
He won consensus All-American honors in 1993 and also was awarded the Pop Warner Trophy as MVP of his youth league team. Morton played college football at Virginia Tech, where he caught 212 passes for 3,928 yards and 31 touchdowns over three seasons.
After being drafted by the Chiefs in 1992, Morton started all 16 games as a rookie and led the team with 69 receptions for 1,041 yards and 10 touchdowns.
In 1994 he had career highs of 101 catches for 1,430 yards and 11 touchdowns while playing in all 16 games again (he missed one game due to an ankle injury). The Chiefs released Morton during training camp before the 1995 season.
After he failed a physical because of weight issues; he signed with San Francisco later that year but only played five games before being cut again (he would go on to play six more seasons with Seattle).
However, his tenure there is noteworthy: In 2001 against Carolina when Steve Young hit him so hard from behind that it knocked him out cold late in the fourth quarter. Morton came back into action late in that same game wearing #80 – now retired by 49ers legend Jerry Rice – honoring Rice who passed away earlier that week.
Morton finished with four catches for 47 yards en route to helping San Francisco upset their divisional rival 41-38 on Monday Night Football.
Johnnie's son Jaxson also plays football at Richmond University which currently sits second on their Division I record list for receiving yardage through seven games with 551 total yards including 52 receptions averaging 17 YPC.
33. Stephen Tulloch
Linebacker
Career
- Tennessee Titans (2006–2010)
- Detroit Lions (2011–2015)
- Philadelphia Eagles (2016)
Stephen Tulloch was born on January 1, 1985, in Miami, Florida. He attended high school at Miami Killian and played college football at North Carolina State.
Stephen Tulloch was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the fourth round of the 2006 NFL Draft.
He spent four seasons with the Titans before signing with the Detroit Lions in 2011.
Stephen Tulloch has also appeared in games for the Oakland Raiders, St Louis Rams, Jacksonville Jaguars, and New England Patriots over his career.
In 2015, he signed a one-year contract with the Seattle Seahawks but retired after only two months due to injury problems.
Stephen Tulloch is currently an analyst for Fox Sports Tennessee covering their NFL coverage.. At 6-foot-3 and 247 pounds, Stephen Tulloch is a physical linebacker who can take on any offensive player.
After playing at the University of Tennessee, Tulloch was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the second round of the 2007 NFL Draft.
In his seven seasons with Detroit, he played in 107 games and recorded 949 tackles, 14.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 12 fumble recoveries, and 5 interceptions.
In 2013 Tulloch signed with the Philadelphia Eagles where he has continued to be an impact player for them over the past four seasons (2016–2019).
At 34 years old Stephen Tulloch is looking to continue his career playing football at either a high level or as a coach after retiring from professional play in 2019.
Also Played For: nc state wolfpack football
34. Jeff Okudah
Cornerback
Career
- Unanimous All-American (2019)
- First-team All-Big Ten (2019)
Jeff Okudah was a four-star cornerback recruit out of high school and attended Ohio State. He appeared in all 14 games as a true freshman, recording 36 tackles with 1 interception and 3 pass defenses.
As a sophomore, he started 10 games while tallying 60 tackles (5 for loss), 2 interceptions, 4 pass defenses, and 1 fumble recovery. In his junior season, he started 11 games and again led the team in tackles with 83 (14 for loss).
However, he also added 5 passes defended and an interception to his stat line before declaring for the NFL Draft early. The Detroit Lions drafted Okudah with their first pick in 2020 after seeing him play at Ohio State's Pro Day where he recorded a 4-cone drill time of 6 seconds flat which ranked first among cornerbacks at the event.
Jeff Okudah is one of the most decorated players in Ohio State history, earning unanimous All-American honors and first-team All-Big Ten accolades as a senior.
He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft and has started all 16 games for them this season. Jeff has had an impressive rookie campaign, leading all rookies with 123 tackles while also recording 1 forced fumble and 10 pass deflections.
He has also recorded 2 interceptions and 1 defensive touchdown. The 22-year-old is only going to get better as he continues to develop his skills in the NFL, looking to become a key part of any team's defense down the line.
35. Darius Slay
Cornerback
Career
- First-team All-Pro (2017)
- 5× Pro Bowl (2017–2019, 2021, 2022)
- NFL interceptions co-leader (2017)
- Second-team All-SEC (2012)
Slay was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 2013 but never played a down for them. He was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles in 2020 and has been one of their best cornerbacks ever since.
Slay is known for his ball-hawking skills, which have led to him picking off over 20 passes throughout his career. His biggest contribution to the Eagles may be as a mentor to some of their younger players, such as Nolan Carroll and Rasul Douglas.
Slay will likely retire after this season, although he has said that he would be open to playing again if asked by an NFL team later on in his career. Darius Slay is a cornerback for the Detroit Lions and one of the best at his position in the NFL.
He was named to first-team All-Pro in 2017 and has also been selected to five Pro Bowls. His 128 passes defended are the second most in league history, behind only Richard Sherman. Slay is known for his ability to make big plays on defense, including four defensive touchdowns over the course of his career so far.
36. Kevin Glover
Career
- 3× First-team All-Pro (1994, 1996, 1997)
- Second-team All-Pro (1995)
- 3× Pro Bowl (1995–1997)
- Detroit Lions 75th Anniversary Team
- Detroit Lions All-Time Team
Glover was one of the most dominant centers in NFL history. He played for three different teams over a 14-year career and helped each of them to succeed.
Glover is best known for his time with the Detroit Lions, where he won two Super Bowls (XXIII and XXIV). He also made five Pro Bowl appearances during that time.
After leaving Detroit, Glover spent two years with the Seattle Seahawks before retiring in 1999. In between stints with the Lions and Seahawks, Glover played for the Philadelphia Eagles (1996) and Indianapolis Colts (1997).
Currently, Glover is an assistant coach with the Baltimore Ravens under John Harbaugh Kevin Glover is the current Director of Player Development for the Maryland Terrapins football team. He first joined the program in 2017 and has since helped guide a young group of players to success on both sides of the ball.
Kevin's experience as a player, coach, and front-office executive makes him an invaluable asset to the University of Maryland athletics.
In addition, Kevin is well known throughout NFL circles for his work with developmental programs such as The RISE Program (formerly The Rookie Transition Experience) which helps incoming rookies adjust to life in the league.
Also Played For: maryland terrapins football
37. Mel Gray
Career
- 3× First-team All-Pro (1990, 1991, 1994)
- Second-team All-Pro (1992)
- 4× Pro Bowl (1990–1992, 1994)
- NFL kickoff return yards leader (1991)
- NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
- Detroit Lions 75th Anniversary Team
- Detroit Lions All-Time Team
Gray spent his entire 13-year NFL career with the Detroit Lions, where he was a three-time Pro Bowler. Gray also played for the New Orleans Saints and Los Angeles Express in 1984 and 1985, respectively.
He returned punts and kicks for the Lions from 1989 to 1994. Gray finished his NFL career with 1,527 receiving yards (8th all-time) and nine touchdowns on 181 receptions (10th all-time).
Gray is married to Teri Brown and has two children Mel Jr., who is a cornerback in the National Football League; as well as Monica, who played volleyball at Purdue University before becoming an occupational therapist.
Gray was a three-time first-team All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowler with the Houston Oilers and Philadelphia Eagles.
He is best known for his punt return abilities, where he led the NFL in 1991. Gray retired after the 1997 season, having played 14 seasons in the league.
38. Night Train Lane
Career
- 7× First-team All-Pro (1956–1957, 1959–1963)
- 3× Second-team All-Pro (1954, 1958, 1963)
- 7× Pro Bowl (1954–1956, 1958, 1960–1962)
- 2× NFL interceptions leader (1952, 1954)
- NFL 1950s All-Decade Team
- NFL 50th Anniversary All-Time Team
- NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
- Arizona Cardinals Ring of Honor
- Pride of the Lions
- Detroit Lions 75th Anniversary Team
- Detroit Lions All-Time Team
Night Train Lane was a cornerback with the Los Angeles Rams from 1952 to 1953 and then played for the Chicago Cardinals from 1954 to 1959. Night Train Lane was born on April 16, 1928, in Austin, Texas.
Night Train Lane died on January 29, 2002, in Austin, Texas at the age of 73 after battling Alzheimer's Disease for several years. At 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) and 194 lb (88 kg), Night Train Lane was an imposing figure on the gridiron during his playing days.
After retiring as a player, Night Train Lane worked as a scout with both NFL teams until his death Night Train Lane was one of the most prolific wide receivers in NFL history. He led the league in interceptions twice and had over 1,000 yards receiving each season he played.
Night Train Lane is also credited with inventing the “nightmare” pass play which helped lead to Detroit Lions' success in the 1950s.
39. Jack Fox
Punter
Career
- Second-team All-Pro (2020)
- Pro Bowl (2020)
- C-USA Special Teams Player of the Year (2018)
- First-team All-C-USA (2018)
- Second-team All-C-USA (2017)
Jack Fox is a punter for the Detroit Lions. He was undrafted in 2019 but has since been signed to the team. Fox attended Rice where he played football and soccer before graduating in 2018 with a degree in business administration.
Prior to joining the Lions, Fox spent one year with the Kansas City Chiefs where he averaged 42 yards per punt on 50 attempts (an 8-of-10 performance from inside his own 20-yard line). Jack is married to Taylor and they have one daughter together named Ella Grace who was born in June 2019.
In his spare time, Jack enjoys golfing and spending time outdoors with family and friends Jack Fox is a former punter who has played in the NFL for over two decades. He was named Second-team All-Pro in 2020 and made his Pro Bowl appearance that year.
In 2018, he won C-USA Special Teams Player of the Year honors after averaging 49 yards per punt and 57 yards inside 20 on passes attempted. Fox also finished second in pass attempts (5) and passing completions (4) among C-USA quarterbacks that season.
He entered the 2022 season as an active player with the Rams but could have potentially been released during this offseason if he did not meet certain performance standards set by head coach Sean McVay.
40. Golden Tate
Wide receiver
Career
- Seattle Seahawks (2010–2013)
- Detroit Lions (2014–2018)
- Philadelphia Eagles (2018)
- New York Giants (2019–2020)
- Tennessee Titans (2021)*
Golden Tate was a wide receiver for the Seattle Seahawks, Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles in his 10-year NFL career. He is known for being an all-around playmaker, with experience as both a receiver and punt returner.
In 2018, he signed with the Eagles after spending one season with the team in 2017. Tate has twice been named to the Pro Bowl (2011 and 2013), as well as won Super Bowl XLVIII with the Seattle Seahawks over the Denver Broncos.
Golden Tate is a three-time Pro Bowler and two-time Super Bowl champion. He has over 8,000 receiving yards in his career and 46 touchdowns on the ground. The Detroit Lions receiver will be a key player for the New York Giants this season.
Also Played For: notre dame fighting irish football, university of notre dame
41. Cory Schlesinger
Career
- 3× Pro Bowl (2002–2004)
- Detroit Lions 75th Anniversary Team
- Detroit Lions All-Time Team
Cory Schlesinger was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the 1995 NFL Draft. He played for Detroit from 1995-2006, before signing with the Miami Dolphins in 2007.
Cory is a fullback and played that position at Nebraska. He has also been a member of the Lions, Dolphins, and Washington Redskins during his career. Cory is considered to be one of the best fullbacks in NFL history and he helped lead Detroit to two Super Bowl titles (1995 and 2005).
Cory retired from football after playing for Miami in 2006, but he came back to play for Washington in 2008-09 before retiring again once more later that season.
Cory lives mainly in Columbus, Nebraska with his wife Terri and their three children - son Beau, daughter Harper, and son Quinn Cory Schlesinger is a nine-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro.
He played his entire career with the Detroit Lions and was one of the most consistent offensive players in NFL history. Cory Schlesinger was known for being an explosive player with good hands, which made him very dangerous in the open field.
Cory Schlesinger retired after the 2004 season, having amassed over 4,000 yards from scrimmage during his career.
42. Ezekiel Ansah
Defensive end
Career
- Second-team All-Pro (2015)
- Pro Bowl (2015)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2013)
- First-team All-Independent (2012)
Ezekiel Ansah was born in Ghana and starred at Presbyterian Boys' Secondary School. He attended Brigham Young University, where he played football and became a two-time All-American.
The Detroit Lions drafted Ansah with the fifth overall pick in 2013, and he started all 16 games as a rookie defensive end.
In 2014, Ansah had an outstanding season, recording 11 sacks and helping the Lions make it to the playoffs for only the second time in franchise history; they lost to Seattle in the wildcard round.
Ansah missed most of 2016 due to injuries but bounced back with 10 sacks in 2017—the best year of his career thus far. His production diminished somewhat during 2018 (six sacks), but he still managed to stay on Detroit's roster despite heavy competition from younger players like Jarrad Davis and DeMarcus Lawrence.
On September 1st, 2019, it was announced that Ezekiel Ansah had signed with the Seattle Seahawks. With Seattle, Ansah will reunite with former BYU coach Pete Carroll who developed him into one of the elite defenders in NFL history over four seasons (2013–2017).
Ansah was one of the most dominant defensive linemen in the NFL for several years, amassing a total of 236 tackles and 50.5 sacks in his career so far. Ansah has also been very successful as a pass rusher, making 12 forced fumbles and recovering five balls during his time in the league.
However, Ansah's greatest asset may be his ability to disrupt passing lanes - he made four interceptions while playing with Detroit Lions between 2013-2015 alone.
That being said, Ansah will face stiff competition from other top defensive linemen when it comes to landing a contract extension this offseason - expect him to receive an offer that matches or even exceeds his current worth soon enough.
Also Played For: madden nfl 19
43. Dutch Clark
Career
- NFL champion (1935)
- 6× First-team All-Pro (1931, 1932, 1934–1937)
- 3× NFL rushing touchdowns leader (1934, 1936, 1937)
- 3× NFL scoring leader (1932, 1935, 1936)
- NFL 1930s All-Decade Team
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
- Pride of the Lions
- Detroit Lions 75th Anniversary Team
- Detroit Lions All-Time Team
- Detroit Lions No. 7 retired
- First-team All-American (1928)
Dutch Clark was a prolific rusher during his playing days and is widely regarded as one of the finest backs to ever play in the NFL. Dutch Clarke spent most of his career with the Detroit Lions, where he helped lead them to two championships (1934 and 1935).
Clarke also played for Portsmouth Spartans and Colorado College before retiring from football in 1938. After retirement, Dutch Clark worked as an assistant coach at both Colorado College and Michigan State University before joining the coaching staff of the Philadelphia Eagles in 1949.
Dutch Clark died on August 5, 1978, after suffering a heart attack while working out at his home gymnasium in Cañon City, Colorado. He was 71 years old at the time of his death. Dutch Clark was an assistant coach for the Detroit Lions in the 1930s. He later became a general manager, working with the Cleveland Rams and Seattle Bombers between 1939 and 1942.
In 1949, he took over as head coach of the Los Angeles Dons and led them to two American Football League championships in his three seasons at the helm. Dutch Clark retired from coaching following the 1954 season and went on to have a long career in front-office administration, most notably with the Detroit Titans (1950–1953).
44. Robert Porcher IV
Career
- 3× First-team All-Pro (1997, 1999, 2001)
- 3× Pro Bowl (1997, 1999, 2001)
- Detroit Lions 75th Anniversary Team
- Detroit Lions All-Time Team
Robert Porcher IV was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 1992. He played for the Detroit Lions from 1992 to 2003. Robert Porcher IV was a defensive end for the Detroit Lions, and he had success in the NFL.
Robert Porcher IV is now retired from professional football, but he still remains involved in sport through coaching and mentoring young athletes.
Robert Porcher IV is married with two children, and he enjoys spending time with them as well as his family dog, Bentley. Robert Porcher IV has been inducted into both the South Carolina Sports Hall of Fame (2010) and the Tennessee State Athletics Hall of Fame (2013).
Porcher IV was a three-time first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowler with the Detroit Lions. He also played in three consecutive Pro Bowls from 1997 to 1999, earning his third accolade as an all-around performer on defense.
Porcher is perhaps most notable for intercepting Peyton Manning twice during the 2001 season - one which lifted the Lions to their first playoff appearance in over 30 years at that point.
After retiring following the 2002 season, Porcher became a football analyst for Fox Sports Detroit and currently resides in Arizona with his wife and two young children.
45. Dominic Raiola
Center
Career
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2001)
- Consensus All-American (2000)
- Rimington Trophy (2000)
- 2× First-team All-Big 12 (1999, 2000)
- Nebraska Cornhuskers Jersey No. 54 retired
Dominic Raiola was born in Honolulu, Hawaii on December 30th, 1978. He attended high school at Saint Louis and then played college football for Nebraska.
Dominic Raiola was drafted by the Detroit Lions in 2001 and spent his entire NFL career with them up until 2014 when he retired. Dominic Raiola is a two-time Pro Bowler (2002, 2003) and has also been named to three All-Pro teams (2002–2003).
In retirement, Dom plays professional soccer for Italian side AC Milan as well as coaching youth football in Michigan. Dominic Raiola was a dominant lineman in the NFL for many years. He started at left tackle for the Detroit Lions and Nebraska Cornhuskers and made an impact on both teams.
Raiola was a two-time First-team All-Big 12 selection and earned Rimington Trophy as the 2000's best college football player. In 2001, he was named to PFWA's All-Rookie Team after starting all 16 games that season for Detroit Lions.
After spending five seasons with the Lions before signing with Indianapolis Colts in 2007, Raiola retired after 13 seasons in the NFL playing 592 total snaps of action (an average of 73 per game).
Dominic currently coaches the offensive line at his high school alma mater Notre Dame Prep School where he has led them to back-to-back state championships since joining their staff in 2017 as assistant head coach/offensive line coach/defensive coordinator.
46. Glover Quin
Strong safety
Career
- Second-team All-Pro (2014)
- Pro Bowl (2014)
- NFL interceptions leader (2014)
Glover Quin is a safety for the Detroit Lions. He was drafted in 2009 by the Houston Texans and played with them for four seasons before moving to Detroit in 2014.
His career highlight came in 2012 when he won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. Glover Quin has also been nominated for several other awards, including three Pro Bowl nominations and one All-Pro selection so far during his career.
In 2017, Glover Quin signed a five-year contract extension with Detroit that will keep him at the club until 2021 Glover Quin is a versatile defensive back who has excelled in both the secondary and on special teams.
He was named to the Second-team All-Pro squad in 2014 and has been one of Detroit's most productive defenders over the past few seasons.
Quin also led the NFL with 24 interceptions in 2014, which helped him win his first Pro Bowl nomination that year. Glover Quin will continue to be an important part of the Lions' defense moving forward, as he looks to help lead them back to playoff contention once again in 2018.
47. DeAndre Levy
Linebacker
Career
- Detroit Lions (2009–2016)
DeAndre Levy was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the third round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He played college football at Wisconsin and has since made over 150 tackles, 16 sacks, and two interceptions.
Deandre is a linebacker who excels in pass coverage as well as run defense. Although he only started 11 games during his rookie season due to injuries, Deandre became one of Detroit's key players on defense over time, recording over 100 tackles each year from 2010-2015 inclusive before missing 2016 with an injury.
In 2017, DeAndre had another solid season for the Lions registering 102 tackles along with 2 sacks and 1 interception which helped lead to Detroit making it to their first conference championship game in 25 years. DeAndre Levy is a successful linebacker and defensive back who has played for the Detroit Lions since 2009.
He was named to the Second-team All-Pro in 2014, and he also had 12 interceptions during his career with the Lions. DeAndre Levy is known for being an excellent tackler, as well as being able to force fumbles and recover them.
In 2016, DeAndre Levy decided to retire from professional football after nine seasons with the Lions.
48. Jahvid Best
Running back
Career
- 2× First-team All-Pac-10 (2007, 2008)
- 2008 Emerald Bowl Offensive MVP
Jahvid Best was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the 2010 NFL Draft. He played for the Lions from 2010 to 2012. Best had a successful career with the Lions, earning two Pro Bowl appearances and being named an All-Pro twice.
After finishing his playing career with the Lions, Best signed a three-year contract with the Philadelphia Eagles in May 2013. In his first season with Philadelphia, he led all running backs in yards gained and touchdowns scored (22).
In 2017, Jahvid Best retired from professional football after sustaining a concussion during training camp that year Jahvid Best is a highly regarded running back prospect who was once considered one of the top players in college football.
He played two seasons at California, where he was named First-team All-Pac-10 and earned MVP honors in the Emerald Bowl as a senior. After going undrafted in 2009, Best signed with the Detroit Lions but failed to make an impact on their roster and was released before the end of the season.
In 2012, Best joined up with Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League and led them to victory in their inaugural playoff game against Hamilton Tiger-Cats 37–24.
The following year, Best again helped lead his team to playoff success after finishing second in the league scoring behind only Edmonton Eskimos’ Darian Durant (1,549 points).
On January 1st of this year, Jahvid best completed his return to NFL competition when he scored four touchdowns on three receptions for 81 yards during a 41–0 win over Cleveland Browns reserves.
Thus becoming just the third player ever (after Randy Moss & Terrell Owens) to record multiple receiving touchdowns and rushing touchdowns within a single game while playing for more than one team during career regular season action.
Also Played For: california golden bears, university of california
49. Wayne Walker
Career
- 3× First-team All-Pro (1964–1966)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (1964, 1966)
- 3× Pro Bowl (1963–1965)
- Detroit Lions 75th Anniversary Team
- Idaho Vandals No. 53 retired
Walker was a linebacker and placekicker for the Detroit Lions from 1958 to 1972. He was a four-time Pro Bowler, making him one of the most successful players in Lions' history.
Walker also played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Indianapolis Colts, and Miami Dolphins during his career. He passed away on May 19, 2017, after a long battle with Alzheimer's disease.
Wayne Walker was a three-time first-team All-Pro and two-time second team All-Pro linebacker for the Detroit Lions in the 1960s. He retired after playing for the Lions in 1966 and then played one season with the Idaho Vandals of the USFL before retiring from football altogether.
Wayne is most famous for his performance against Jim Brown and Cleveland Browns during his time with Detroit, but he also had success against other great players throughout his career including Johnny Unitas, Fran Tarkenton, and Bart Starr.
In 2007, Wayne was elected to play in both pro bowls as part of the 75th-anniversary team of the Detroit Lions alongside teammates Max Jeanmarie and Willie Green who were also inducted into that year's Pro Football Hall of Fame class; this earned him recognition as an all-star player at any level of football.
After retirement from football, Wayne worked as a commentator on college games until 2016 when he suffered a stroke which left him unable to communicate or walk independently.
50. Roy Williams
Wide receiver
Career
- Pro Bowl (2006)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (2004)
- Cotton Bowl Classic MVP (2003)
- Third-team All-American (2003)
- Second-team All-Big 12 (2003)
- 2× First-team All-Big 12 (2001, 2002)
- Big 12 Offensive Freshman of the Year (2000)
Roy Williams is a former wide receiver who played in the NFL for 10 seasons, most notably with the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys. Prior to playing in the NFL, Williams attended Texas where he starred as a wide receiver under head coach Mack Brown.
After being drafted by the Lions in 2004, Williams enjoyed a successful rookie season and was named to his first Pro Bowl team.
In 2006, Roy suffered an ankle injury that limited him for much of the year but still managed to produce 1,000 yards receiving and six touchdowns on 97 receptions (an average of 15 yards per catch).
The following year saw Roy reach even greater heights with 91 catches for 1,331 yards (a 14-yard average) and 12 TDs on top of another Pro Bowl selection.
In 2008 Roy signed with Dallas alongside future Hall-of-Famer Jerry Jones as part of one of football’s most prestigious offensive lines ever assembled – an all-star cast including Tony Romo at quarterback and DeMarcus Ware at defensive end/linebacker hybrid linebacker.
Williams had his best statistical season yet catching 106 passes for 1,593 yards (16th highest total in league history) while scoring 13 touchdowns (tied 4th overall behind Calvin Johnson [16], Antonio Brown [15], and Hines Ward [13]).
However, it would be his final campaign wearing blue before joining Chicago later that off-season. Roy retired after leading both teams he played for in pass receptions: 1121 ('09 DAL), 1182 ('10 CHI).
In retirement, Roy has been involved heavily with ESPN college football coverage working primarily as an analyst but also providing color commentary during games airing on ABC or ESPNU.
He also works extensively across various social media platforms regularly sharing thoughts about game film footage or just life in general. Roy Williams was a three-time first-team All-Big 12 player at Oklahoma, and he is now a member of the Carolina Panthers.
Roy Williams had an impressive NFL career as a receiver, accumulating over 400 receptions for 5,715 yards and 44 touchdowns in his 13 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, and Dallas Cowboys.
In 2006, Roy Williams was selected to play in his only Pro Bowl game. He also won two Cotton Bowl Classic MVPs (2003 and 2004) as well as being named Third Team All-American in 2003.
After retiring from professional football in 2015, Roy Williams began working as an analyst on FOX Sports 1's pregame show "Fox Football Daily".
Final Words
The Detroit Lions are a storied franchise in the National Football League, boasting an impressive history of success. Over the years, many great players have worn their colors and helped lead the team to multiple championship games and playoff appearances.
While it is impossible to compile a definitive list of the best Lions players of all time, some of the more notable names include Barry Sanders, Derrick Thomas, Joe Dumars and Calvin Johnson. These stars have made a lasting impact on both Detroit sports fans and NFL followers alike and will be remembered as legends for years to come.
