The Detroit Lions could have used Barry Sanders on the goal line against the Kansas City Chiefs or Lem Barney in the secondary to replace injured All-Pro cornerback Darius Slay. The two NFL Hall of Famers hung up their cleats a long time ago, but they were in attendance as the team announced its All-Time Team as part of the team’s Fantennial Weekend in celebration of the NFL’s 100th season.
The players were chosen by fan voting, contributions from the Detroit Lions Legends Community, Lions executives, and members of the media. Years of service, stats, postseason accolades and other team honors were taken into consideration during voting.
Some of the more notable honorees included Sanders, the team’s all-time leading rusher, all-time leading wide receiver Calvin Johnson, kicker Jason Hanson, and two current players in quarterback Matthew Stafford and long snapper Don Muhlbach. The legends were honored during halftime of the Lions’ 34-30 loss to the Chiefs.
“These are the greatest players in Detroit Lions history,” President Rod Wood said in a statement. “We are extremely proud to join in the celebration of the League’s 100th season by honoring our legends who paved the way for today’s players. Their countless contributions to our game have left a lasting legacy on our organization, the NFL and the entire city of Detroit.”
Lions All-Time Team:
Players are listed in alphabetical order.
Al “Bubba” Baker
Defensive End, 1978-1982
Lem Barney
Cornerback/Returner, 1967-1977
Bennie Blades
Safety, 1988-1996
Lomas Brown
Offensive Tackle, 1985-1995
Roger Brown
Defensive Tackle, 1960-1966
Jack Christiansen
Safety/Punt Returner, 1951-1958
Dutch Clark
Quarterback, 1934-1938
Gail Cogdill
Wide Receiver, 1960-1968
Lou Creekmur
Offensive Tackle, 1950-1959
Jimmy David
Cornerback, 1952-1959
Don Doll
Safety, 1949-1952
Gover “Ox” Emerson
Guard/Center/Linebacker, 1934-1937
Doug English
Defensive Tackle, 1975-1979, 1981-1985
Ed Flanagan
Center, 1965-1974
Kevin Glover
Center, 1985-1997
Mel Gray
Kick/Punt Returner, 1989-1994
Jason Hanson
Kicker, 1992-2012
Calvin Johnson
Wide Receiver, 2007-2015
Alex Karras
Defensive Tackle, 1958-1962, 1964-1970
Dick “Night Train” Lane
Cornerback, 1960-1965
Yale Lary
Safety/Punter, 1952-53, 1956-64
Bobby Layne
Quarterback, 1950-1958
Dick LeBeau
Cornerback, 1959-1972
Mike Lucci
Linebacker, 1965-1973
Herman Moore
Wide Receiver, 1991-2001
Don Muhlbach
Long Snapper, 2004-Present
Nick Pietrosante
Fullback, 1959-1965
Robert Porcher
Defensive End, 1992-2003
Barry Sanders
Running Back, 1989-1998
Charlie Sanders
Tight End, 1968-1977
Cory Schlesinger
Fullback, 1995-2006
Joe Schmidt
Linebacker, 1953-1965
Harley Sewell
Guard, 1953-1962
Billy Sims
Running Back, 1980-1984
Chris Spielman
Linebacker, 1988-1995
Matthew Stafford
Quarterback, 2009-Present
Dick Stanfel
Guard, 1952-1955
Doak Walker
Running Back, 1950-1955
Alex Wojciechowicz
Center/Linebacker, 1938-1946
COVER PHOTO: Kory Woods
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