The Detroit Lions are one of the oldest franchises in the entire NFL. While they have had minimal team success, they have not been without their fair share of superstars. I have decided to build a lineup with the best Detroit Lions of all time at every position: Offense, Defense, and special teams. This week, I will go over the offense.
QB: MATTHEW STAFFORD(2009-2021)
Was there ever any doubt? The #1 overall draft pick in 2009 may not have any playoff wins, but he consistently played at an elite level for an otherwise lackluster franchise. As the holder of virtually every franchise passing record, Matthew Stafford played in all but 8 games since 2011 for the Lions. He was a dependable leader with spectacular arm talent, and all of Detroit was thrilled when he hoisted the Lombardi trophy in 2022, even if it wasn’t with the Lions.
RB1: BARRY SANDERS(1989-1998)
If we were building an all time NFL team with the ability to pick any player from any franchise, Barry Sanders would still be the first or second choice here. One of the all time greats at his position, Sanders is a first ballot hall of famer, 10 time pro bowler, 6 time all pro, and the 1997 AP MVP.
RB2: DOAK WALKER(1950-1955)
Outside of the Barry Sanders years, the Lions have lacked a real superstar at running back. You have to go back to the dynasty of the 1950s to find an above average running back, and even then it was a short lived career for Doak Walker. Regardless, the Swiss Army knife was named to 5 pro bowls, 4 all pro teams, and won the NFL championship twice in his hall of fame career.
TE: CHARLIE SANDERS(1968-1977)
Sanders is the only worthy player for the best Lions tight end of all time. The Oklahoma State product holds the most receiving yards in a career from a Lions tight end, and it isn’t particularly close. He was an integral part for the Detroit offense in the 70s, and is a 7 time pro bowler to go along with his place in the hall of fame.
WR1: CALVIN JOHNSON(2007-2015)
Once again, another generational talent wasted by the Lions. Megatron could have easily played well into his 30s, and most likely would’ve still produced at an elite level. Although he retired with more years to give, he gave Detroit 9 seasons of greatness, breaking the record for most receiving yards in a season.
WR2: HERMAN MOORE(1991-2001)
Seriously, how did the Lions not make a super bowl in the 90s? Herman Moore is one of, if not the most underrated receiver of that decade due to Jerry Rice having his prime years at the same time as Moore. He made 4 straight pro bowls from ‘94 to ‘97, and although he is not in the hall of fame, he is the second best Lions receiver of all time without a doubt.
WR3: GOLDEN TATE(2014-2018)
Prime show time Tate was truly a spectacle to see. So much so that he lands on this list with only 4.5 years of playing time with the Lions. He amassed at least a thousand yards in all but one of his full seasons in Detroit. He is not near the caliber of Johnson or Moore, but was still an extremely good receiver for the Lions.
TACKLES: LOMAS BROWN(1985-1995), LOU CREEKMUR(1950-1959)
While I’m not going to pretend that I’ve ever seen any of Lou Creekmurs highlights in the NFL, his accolades speak for himself. Creekmur was named to 8 pro bowls and 6 all pro teams in his decorated career, and has his rightful spot in Canton. Lomas Brown spent his first decade of his career dominating defensive lineman in Detroit. The former first round draft pick was absolutely worth the selection, making 7 pro bowls and being named to an all pro team in ‘95.
GUARDS: HARLEY SEWELL(1953-1962), GROVER (OX) EMERSON(1931-1937)
Both of these players existed before the moon landing, so I don’t have much game film to go off of. However, both of these players were at the top of their game, at least according to the media at the time.
CENTER: ED FLANAGAN(1965-1974)
Ed Flanagan was really the only option here. Maybe Frank Ragnow will have a similar career when his playing time is all said and done, but for now the clear cut best Center is Flanagan. He made 4 straight pro bowls with the Lions and only missed one game in his near decade with the team.
