If I see the Detroit Lions logo, the first player that immediately comes to mind is Barry Sanders.
Barry Sanders – The Face of the Franchise
The first and most obvious answer is Barry Sanders. When people think of the Detroit Lions, they think of #20, juking defenders out of their cleats and making impossible runs look easy.
Why Barry Sanders?
- 10 Seasons, 10 Pro Bowls
- 1997 NFL MVP
- 15,269 rushing yards (4th all-time)
- 5 yards per carry average (insane for a RB)
- Arguably the most elusive RB ever
Barry Sanders is the greatest Lion of all time and possibly the best running back the NFL has ever seen. If the Detroit Lions had a Mount Rushmore, his face would be the first carved into it.
Calvin Johnson – Megatron
After Barry, the next most obvious player is Calvin Johnson, aka Megatron.
Why Calvin Johnson?
- Most dominant WR of his era
- 1,964 receiving yards in 2012 (NFL record)
- 6-time Pro Bowler, 3-time First-Team All-Pro
- One of the best WRs ever despite retiring early
When you see the Detroit Lions logo, it’s impossible not to think about Megatron. His blend of size (6’5”, 240 lbs), speed, and hands made him an unstoppable force, even when triple-teamed.
Matthew Stafford – The Gunslinger
While Sanders and Megatron might be more famous, Matthew Stafford was the heart and soul of the Lions for 12 seasons.
Why Matthew Stafford?
- 50,000+ career passing yards
- Lions’ all-time leader in passing yards & TDs
- Led one of the greatest comebacks in NFL history (vs. Browns, 2009)
- Ironman – played through countless injuries
Even though Stafford eventually won a Super Bowl with the Rams, he is still remembered as one of the greatest Lions ever.
Other Iconic Detroit Lions Players
Doak Walker (RB, 1950s)
- Heisman Trophy winner (1948)
- Two-time NFL Champion (1952, 1953)
- One of the earliest Lions legends
Bobby Layne (QB, 1950s)
- 3-time NFL Champion (1952, 1953, 1957)
- Hall of Fame QB
- The Curse of Bobby Layne (Lions struggled for decades after trading him)
Joe Schmidt (LB, 1950s-1960s)
- 10-time Pro Bowler
- Two-time NFL Champion
- One of the best linebackers in NFL history
Alex Karras (DT, 1960s-1970s)
- 4-time Pro Bowler
- Dominant defensive lineman
- Later became an actor (played in Webster)
Lem Barney (CB, 1960s-1970s)
- 7-time Pro Bowler
- 56 career interceptions
- One of the best cornerbacks in NFL history
Billy Sims (RB, 1980s)
- Heisman Trophy winner (1978)
- 1st overall pick in 1980
- Injuries cut his career short, but he was a superstar
Modern Detroit Lions Players
Beyond the legends, there are some modern players that spring to mind when seeing the Detroit Lions logo.
Amon-Ra St. Brown (WR)
- One of the best young WRs in the NFL
- Elite route-runner and playmaker
- Has the work ethic of a superstar
Jared Goff (QB)
- Revitalized his career with the Lions
- Led the team back to the playoffs
Aidan Hutchinson (DE)
- Young defensive superstar
- Already a leader on defense
Jahmyr Gibbs (RB)
- Explosive, versatile playmaker
- Key part of the Lions’ new offensive identit.