The year 1966 marked an important milestone for the Detroit Lions. With a new head coach and a revamped roster, the Lions were ready to take on the upcoming season with vigor and determination. The Detroit Lions were founded in 1930, and since then, they have been a force to be reckoned with in the NFL. Fans of the Lions from all over the world have long been fascinated with the team's rich history, and the roster of 1966 stands as a testament to the team's greatness.
In this article, we will delve deep into the Detroit Lions roster of 1966 and explore some of the key players who made that season a memorable one. From the team's star quarterback to its talented defense, we will examine what made this roster so special and why it remains a beloved part of Lions history to this day.
The Offense
The Quarterback
Arguably the most important position on any football team is the quarterback, and the Detroit Lions had a talented one in 1966. Earl Morrall had taken over as the starting quarterback in 1965, and he continued to impress in the 1966 season. Morrall had a strong arm and was known for his accuracy, making him a force to be reckoned with on the field.
However, Morrall was not the only important player on the Lions' offense in 1966. The team also had a talented group of running backs and wide receivers who could make big plays and move the ball down the field with ease.
The Running Backs
The Lions' running game was led by Mel Farr, who had been drafted by the team in the first round of the 1967 NFL Draft. In 1966, Farr was a rookie, but he quickly made a name for himself with his speed and agility. Farr rushed for over 800 yards in his first season and helped the Lions win several key games.
Joining Farr in the backfield was Nick Pietrosante, a fullback who was known for his toughness and hard-nosed running style. Pietrosante was a fan favorite in Detroit and was often called upon to make crucial plays in short-yardage situations.
The Defense
The Defensive Line
The Detroit Lions' defense in 1966 was one of the best in the league, thanks in part to their talented defensive line. The line was anchored by Alex Karras, a defensive tackle who was known for his strength and tenacity. Karras was a force to be reckoned with on the field and was often double-teamed by opposing teams.
Joining Karras on the line was Roger Brown, another talented defensive tackle who was known for his quickness and agility. Brown had a knack for getting to the quarterback and disrupting plays in the backfield.
The Secondary
The Lions' secondary in 1966 was also a formidable force, with several talented players who could make big plays. The standout player on the secondary was Dick LeBeau, a cornerback who would later go on to become a legendary defensive coordinator. LeBeau was known for his speed and agility and was often called upon to cover the opposing team's best receiver.
Joining LeBeau in the secondary were several other talented players, including safety Yale Lary and cornerback Lem Barney. Lary was a hard-hitting safety who was known for his ability to read plays and make key interceptions, while Barney was a rookie who quickly made a name for himself with his speed and coverage skills.
The Legacy of the 1966 Detroit Lions Roster
The Detroit Lions roster of 1966 remains a beloved part of Lions history to this day. The team finished the season with a record of 4-9-1, but their talent and determination on the field made them a fan favorite. The roster of 1966 set the stage for future Lions teams, and their legacy continues to inspire fans of the team today.
As we have seen, the Detroit Lions roster of 1966 was a talented and determined group of players who left their mark on the NFL. From the team's star quarterback to its tenacious defense, the roster of 1966 was filled with players who had a passion for the game and a desire to win. While the team may not have had a winning record that season, their legacy lives on and continues to inspire fans of the Detroit Lions to this day.
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