If you are a Detroit Lions fan, you know that the team has had its fair share of ups and downs throughout the years. One of the most important positions on the field is the running back, and the Lions have had their share of great ones. In this article, we will take a look at the top Detroit Lions starting running backs of all time.
1. Barry Sanders
Barry Sanders is undoubtedly one of the greatest running backs of all time, not just for the Lions. He played for the Lions from 1989 to 1998 and racked up an incredible 15,269 rushing yards and 99 touchdowns. Sanders was known for his speed, agility, and ability to make defenders miss. He was a 10-time Pro Bowler and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004.
Sanders was a true game-changer for the Lions and helped lead the team to six playoff appearances during his tenure. He was also the 1997 NFL MVP and is still considered one of the most exciting players in NFL history.
2. Billy Sims
Billy Sims played for the Lions from 1980 to 1984 and was a three-time Pro Bowler. He rushed for 5,106 yards and 42 touchdowns during his time with the team. Sims was known for his speed and power, and he helped lead the Lions to their first playoff appearance in 12 years in 1982.
Sims also won the Heisman Trophy in 1978 while playing for the University of Oklahoma. Unfortunately, his career was cut short due to a knee injury in 1984, but he is still remembered as one of the Lions' all-time greats.
3. Doak Walker
Doak Walker played for the Lions from 1950 to 1955 and was a four-time Pro Bowler. He rushed for 3,258 yards and 21 touchdowns during his time with the team. Walker was known for his versatility, as he was also an accomplished kicker and punter.
Walker helped lead the Lions to two NFL Championships in 1952 and 1953, and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986. He is still remembered as one of the greatest players in Lions history.
4. Mel Farr
Mel Farr played for the Lions from 1967 to 1973 and was a two-time Pro Bowler. He rushed for 3,072 yards and 26 touchdowns during his time with the team. Farr was known for his speed and agility, and he helped lead the Lions to their first playoff appearance in eight years in 1970.
After retiring from football, Farr became a successful businessman and philanthropist. He passed away in 2015, but he is still remembered as one of the Lions' all-time greats.
5. James Jones
James Jones played for the Lions from 1983 to 1988 and was a two-time Pro Bowler. He rushed for 4,114 yards and 24 touchdowns during his time with the team. Jones was known for his toughness and his ability to break tackles.
Although he never won a playoff game with the Lions, Jones is still remembered as one of the team's best running backs. He was inducted into the Lions' Ring of Honor in 2009.
Conclusion
The Detroit Lions have had some incredible running backs throughout their history, but Barry Sanders is undoubtedly the best of the best. He was a true game-changer for the Lions and is still considered one of the most exciting players in NFL history. However, all of the players on this list have made significant contributions to the Lions and are remembered as some of the team's greatest players.
Komentar
Posting Komentar