As one of the oldest franchises in the NFL, the Detroit Lions have a rich history, including their safety position. From the early days of professional football to the modern era, the Lions have had their fair share of standout safeties. In this article, we'll explore the evolution of the safety position for the Detroit Lions and take a closer look at some of the most notable players to hold that position.
The Early Years
When the Detroit Lions first began playing in 1930, the safety position didn't exist as we know it today. Instead, teams typically used a "deep back" or "rover" to defend against long passes. One of the earliest players to hold this position for the Lions was Dutch Clark, a Hall of Fame player who played for the team from 1931-1938. Clark was a standout athlete who played multiple positions, including quarterback, running back, and safety. He was known for his speed and agility, as well as his ability to read the opposing team's offense.
As the game of football evolved, so did the safety position. In the 1950s, teams began using a "free safety" to cover the deep part of the field, while the "strong safety" played closer to the line of scrimmage. The Lions were no exception, and they had several standout players at the safety position during this era. One of the most notable was Yale Lary, who played for the Lions from 1952-1964. Lary was a six-time Pro Bowler and a three-time First-Team All-Pro. He was known for his hard-hitting style of play and his ability to intercept passes.
The Modern Era
Barry Sanders Era
When Barry Sanders joined the Lions in 1989, he quickly became one of the most electrifying players in the NFL. However, the team struggled to build a strong defense around him, particularly at the safety position. It wasn't until the mid-1990s that the Lions found a standout safety in Bennie Blades. Blades played for the Lions from 1991-1996 and was a Pro Bowler in 1992 and 1993. He was known for his physicality and his ability to make big plays in critical moments.
Matthew Stafford Era
In recent years, the Lions have had some ups and downs at the safety position. However, they've had some standout players, including Glover Quin, who played for the Lions from 2013-2018. Quin was a Pro Bowler in 2014 and was known for his leadership and his ability to read opposing offenses. He retired from the NFL in 2019, but his impact on the Lions' defense is still felt today.
The Future of the Safety Position for the Detroit Lions
As the Lions look to rebuild their team, the safety position will be a critical area to address. However, they have some promising young players who could step up and become the next great Lions safety. Tracy Walker, who joined the team in 2018, has shown flashes of brilliance and could be a key player for the team in the years to come. Will Harris, a third-round draft pick in 2019, also has the potential to be a standout player at the safety position. Only time will tell, but the future looks bright for the Detroit Lions and their safety position.
Conclusion
The Detroit Lions have a long and storied history, including some standout players at the safety position. From Dutch Clark to Yale Lary to Bennie Blades to Glover Quin, the Lions have had some of the best safeties in the NFL. As the team looks to the future, they'll need to continue to invest in this critical position to build a championship-caliber defense. With promising young players like Tracy Walker and Will Harris, the future looks bright for the Detroit Lions and their safety position.
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