Unveiling the Top 10 Detroit Lions of All Time: Icons Who Defined the Motor City
You’ve likely heard about the legends who shaped the Detroit Lions, but what makes these players the top 10 of all time? Consider Barry Sanders with his magnetic presence on the field or Calvin Johnson’s unmatched receiving skill. Bobby Layne’s championship legacy and Joe Schmidt’s defensive prowess also come to mind.
Each name on this list, from Lem Barney to Jason Hanson, offers a unique glimpse into what excellence looks like. But how do these towering figures compare, and who leads this illustrious pack of top 10 Detroit Lions of all time? There’s more to explore on this dynamic roster of unforgettable athletes.
Table of Contents
1. Barry Sanders
- Years played for the team: 1989-1998
- Position: Running Back
- Height/Weight: 5’8″, 203 lbs
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Barry Sanders, a dynamo on the field, is often regarded as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. Known for his extraordinary agility, vision, and acceleration, Sanders made a significant impact during his 10 seasons with the Detroit Lions.
His unique ability to dodge defenders and break through lines made him an unstoppable force and a perennial highlight reel.
Sanders’ retirement at the peak of his career stunned the league but solidified his status as a Detroit icon. His legacy lives on through his unmatched style and the remarkable records he set.
- Accolades:
- 10-time Pro Bowl selection
- NFL MVP (1997)
- 6-time First-team All-Pro
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2004)
- Lions’ all-time leading rusher with 15,269 yards
2. Calvin Johnson
- Years Played: 2007-2015
- Position: Wide Receiver
- Height/Weight: 6’5″, 237 lbs
Calvin Johnson, popularly known as “Megatron,” was a transformative wide receiver for the Detroit Lions. His combination of size, speed, and agility redefined the position, making him a perennial threat on the field.
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Johnson’s spectacular catches and ability to outmaneuver defenders made him one of the most feared receivers of his era.
A highlight in his career was setting the NFL single-season record for receiving yards in 2012 with 1,964 yards. Although his career was relatively short, retiring after nine seasons, his impact on the Lions and the league is undeniable, establishing him as one of the greats.
- Accolades:
- 6× Pro Bowl (2010–2015)
- 3× First-team All-Pro (2011–2013)
- NFL receiving yards leader (2011, 2012)
- Most receiving yards in a single season (1,964 in 2012)
- NFL 2010s All-Decade Team
3. Bobby Layne
- Years Played for the Team: 1950-1958
- Position: Quarterback
- Height/Weight: 6’1″/198 lbs
Bobby Layne was a pivotal figure for the Detroit Lions during the 1950s. Known for his competitive spirit and gutsy playing style, Layne was a key leader on the field, directing the Lions to three NFL championships in 1952, 1953, and 1957.
His ability to improvise under pressure, coupled with a powerful arm, made him a formidable opponent.
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Layne’s charismatic presence and on-field leadership left a lasting impression on the franchise, earning him an iconic status in Lions history. His unpredictability and relentless drive set a standard for future generations of Lions quarterbacks.
- Accolades:
- 3× NFL Champion (1952, 1953, 1957)
- 5× Pro Bowl selections
- 2× First-team All-Pro
- Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1967)
- Detroit Lions All-Time Team
4. Joe Schmidt
- Years Played for the Team: 1953-1965
- Position: Linebacker
- Height/Weight: 6’0″, 215 lbs
Joe Schmidt was a cornerstone of the Detroit Lions’ defense during his tenure, embodying leadership and relentless determination on the field. Known for his exceptional ability to read plays and make impactful tackles, Schmidt quickly established himself as a vital player in the Lions’ lineup.
His intelligent play style and commanding presence allowed him to control the defensive huddle, guiding the team to two NFL titles in the 1950s.
Beyond his playing days, Schmidt made a significant impact as the Lions’ head coach. His legacy as one of the greatest linebackers in franchise history is cemented in the team’s rich history.
- Accolades:
- 10-time Pro Bowler
- 8-time First-team All-Pro
- NFL Champion (1953, 1957)
- Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee (1973)
- Detroit Lions All-Time Team
5. Lem Barney
- Years Played for Detroit Lions: 1967-1977
- Position: Cornerback
- Height/Weight: 6’0″, 188 lbs
Lem Barney is celebrated as one of the premier cornerbacks in Detroit Lions history. Known for his exceptional athleticism and keen ability to read plays, Barney made an immediate impact in his rookie year with 10 interceptions, earning him the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
His agility and instinctive play set the tone for opposing offenses, often intimidating quarterbacks to avoid his side of the field.
Beyond his prowess in defense, Barney was a versatile player who contributed as a punt and kick returner. His legacy isn’t just in the stats, but in being a cornerstone of Detroit’s defense throughout the late 60s and 70s.
- Accolades:
- 7× Pro Bowl Selection
- 3× First-team All-Pro
- Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992
- 1967 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year
- Recorded 56 career interceptions
6. Dick “Night Train” Lane
- Years Played for Detroit Lions: 1960–1965
- Position: Cornerback
- Height/Weight: 6’1″, 194 lbs
Dick “Night Train” Lane was a formidable force in the Detroit Lions’ secondary, known for his aggressive playing style and instinctual ball-hawking ability. Joining the Lions in 1960, Lane quickly made a name for himself with his hard-hitting tackles and knack for intercepting passes.
Though intimidating on the field, his play was marked by an athletic grace that allowed him to excel in coverage against the league’s top receivers. His legacy with the Lions is cemented by his ferocious dedication to the game and his pivotal role in anchoring the defense during his tenure.
- Accolades:
- 3x Pro Bowl selection (1961, 1962, 1963)
- 2x First-Team All-Pro (1960, 1961)
- Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, 1974
- Recorded 21 interceptions for the Lions
7. Doak Walker
- Years Played for the Team: 1950-1955
- Position: Halfback
- Height/Weight: 5’11”, 173 lbs
Doak Walker was one of the most impactful players in the early years of the Detroit Lions. Known for his versatility and athleticism, Walker was a dynamic halfback who excelled not only in rushing but also in receiving and as a kicker.
His agility and speed made him a dual-threat on offense, while his accurate kicking provided the Lions with a reliable special teams option.
Walker was integral in leading the Lions to two NFL Championships in 1952 and 1953. His influence extended beyond statistics, as he helped set the standard for future generations of players.
- Accolades:
- 2x NFL Champion (1952, 1953)
- 5x Pro Bowl selection
- 4x First-team All-Pro
- NFL Rookie of the Year (1950)
- Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1986)
8. Alex Karras
- Years played for the team: 1958-1970
- Position: Defensive Tackle
- Height/Weight: 6’2″, 248 lbs
Alex Karras was one of the most formidable forces on the Detroit Lions defensive line during his tenure with the team. Known for his explosive strength and relentless pursuit of quarterbacks, Karras was a key figure in the Lions’ defense throughout the 1960s.
He developed a reputation for being tough, aggressive, and a natural leader on the field.
One of Karras’s most memorable moments came during a Monday Night Football game when he famously flattened Green Bay Packers’ quarterback, Bart Starr. Off the field, Karras also made waves as a charismatic media personality and actor, further cementing his legacy.
- Accolades:
- 4× Pro Bowl selection (1960, 1961, 1964, 1965)
- 3× First-team All-Pro (1960, 1961, 1965)
- Named to the NFL 1960s All-Decade Team
- Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (2020)
9. Herman Moore
- Years Played for Detroit Lions: 1991-2001
- Position: Wide Receiver
- Height/Weight: 6’4″, 210 lbs
During his tenure with the Detroit Lions, Herman Moore emerged as one of the franchise’s most prolific wide receivers. Known for his impressive size and leaping ability, Moore was a reliable target who frequently outmaneuvered defenders.
His exceptional hand-eye coordination and route-running skills made him a favorite target of quarterbacks, including Scott Mitchell and Charlie Batch.
Key moments in Moore’s career include helping the Lions reach the playoffs multiple times in the 1990s and setting the then-record for most catches in a single season in 1995. Moore remains a beloved figure in Detroit for his contributions on and off the field.
- Accolades:
- 4× Pro Bowl selection (1994, 1995, 1996, 1997)
- 3× First-team All-Pro (1995, 1996, 1997)
- NFL receptions leader (1995)
- Detroit Lions all-time receptions leader (at time of retirement)
10. Jason Hanson
- Years Played for the team: 1992-2012
- Position: Placekicker
- Height/Weight: 6’0″ / 190 lbs
Jason Hanson is a celebrated figure in the Detroit Lions’ storied history, renowned for his exceptional consistency and longevity as a placekicker. Spending his entire 21-season career with the Lions, Hanson became a cornerstone of the team, revered for his reliability in high-pressure situations.
Known for his powerful leg and precision, he mastered both field goals and extra points, amassing numerous franchise records.
Among his most memorable achievements are game-winning kicks that secured pivotal victories, cementing his legacy as an undying symbol of dedication and perseverance in the Lions organization.
- Accolades:
- Detroit Lions All-Time Leading Scorer
- Multiple-Time Pro Bowl Selection
- NFL Record for Most Games Played with One Team
- Fourth on the NFL’s All-Time Scoring List
- NFL Record for Most 50+ Yard Field Goals
