WHOLESALE DETROIT LIONS PRODUCTS
The Detroit Lions have had a mixed history in the NFL, with some ups and downs over the years. However, they have had some truly outstanding players in their history. Here are the top 5 best players in Detroit Lions history:
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Barry Sanders: It's hard to talk about the Detroit Lions without mentioning Barry Sanders. Sanders is considered by many to be one of the best running backs in NFL history. He played for the Lions from 1989 to 1998, rushing for over 1,000 yards in every season except his rookie year. He retired at the age of 31 with 15,269 rushing yards, 99 rushing touchdowns, and 2,921 receiving yards.
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Calvin Johnson: Known as "Megatron," Calvin Johnson was a wide receiver for the Detroit Lions from 2007 to 2015. He was a six-time Pro Bowler, a three-time First-Team All-Pro, and in 2012, he set the single-season receiving yards record with 1,964. In his career, he amassed 11,619 receiving yards and 83 touchdowns.
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Joe Schmidt: Joe Schmidt played for the Lions from 1953 to 1965, and he was a seven-time Pro Bowler and six-time First-Team All-Pro. He was a dominant linebacker who was instrumental in the Lions' success during the 1950s and early 1960s. Schmidt was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1973.
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Dick "Night Train" Lane: Dick "Night Train" Lane played for the Lions from 1960 to 1965, and he was one of the most feared cornerbacks of his time. Lane was known for his hard hits and his ability to intercept passes. He was a seven-time Pro Bowler and six-time First-Team All-Pro. In his career, he intercepted 68 passes and scored six touchdowns.
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Lem Barney: Lem Barney played for the Lions from 1967 to 1977, and he was a seven-time Pro Bowler and five-time First-Team All-Pro. He was a shutdown corner who had great hands and was a threat to intercept passes whenever he was on the field. In his career, he intercepted 56 passes and scored nine touchdowns.
Honorable mentions: Bobby Layne, Doak Walker, Yale Lary, and Herman Moore.
In conclusion, the Detroit Lions have had some truly great players throughout their history, but Barry Sanders and Calvin Johnson are arguably the two best. Joe Schmidt, Dick "Night Train" Lane, and Lem Barney are also legends who deserve recognition for their contributions to the team.