NFL history: The Mount Rushmore of every NFL franchise
By Randy Gurzi
Detroit Lions: Barry Sanders, Bobby Layne, Calvin Johnson, Lem Barney
A team with a history that dates all the way back to 1930 should have more players to fight for the top four spots on this Mount Rushmore. Sadly, that’s not the case for the Detroit Lions, especially in recent years.
Detroit has had its share of talented players, but the Lions just can’t break through and win it all. They also have had some bad luck, as two generational talents have played for them in the modern era, but hung up their cleats while still having a lot to give.
Barry Sanders was one of the most exciting running backs of all-time. His name isn’t atop the rushing leaders like Emmitt Smith, but he also didn’t have the same help around him. Where Sanders really excelled was with his insane change of direction and ability to separate in open space.
Another amazing talent to retire too soon was wide receiver Calvin Johnson. Nicknamed ‘Megatron’, Johnson had the perfect mix of size and speed and simply couldn’t be covered.
The final two spots go to a couple of old-school players with Bobby Layne going first. Layne won three titles for the Lions — back before they were Super Bowls. He could have been even greater for them had they not foolishly traded him to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Lastly, we had Lem Barney who edges out Dick LeBeau. Barney is a Pro Football Hall of Fame corner who played for Detroit from 1967 through 1977. He led the league in picks as a rookie and was crowned NFL Rookie of the Year for his efforts. In addition to this award, Barney was selected to the Pro Bowl seven times in his career.