The origins of the Detroit Lions can be traced back to 1929,
when a team called the Portsmouth Spartans began play in 1929 as an independent
professional team. In 1930, the team joined the NFL. Then in 1934, the Spartans
were moved to Detroit and renamed the Lions.
The Lions enjoyed numerous early successes, including winning
the NFL Championship in 1935. The Lions of those years were led by quarterback
and future Hall of Famer Earl "Dutch" Clark.
The Lions' greatest period of success was during the 1950s.
Led by quarterback Bobby Layne the Lions won three NFL Championships: 1952, 1953
and 1957.
Since the 1957 season the Lions have experienced more
frustration than success, winning only one playoff game in the past 50 years.
Nevertheless, the team has enjoyed some highlights, including the play of
legendary running back Barry Sanders.
Championship Game Appearances:
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1935: Won 26-7 over the New York Giants
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1952: Won 17-7 over the Cleveland Browns
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1953: Won 17-16 over the Cleveland Browns
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1954: Lost 56-10 to the Cleveland Browns
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1957: Won 59-14 over the Cleveland Browns
Hall of Famers:
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Lem Barney, Cornerback (1967-1977)
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Earl "Dutch" Clark, Quarterback/Coach (Player:
1931-1938; Coach: 1937-1938)
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Lou Creekmur, Guard/Offensive Tackle (1950-1959)
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Jack Christiansen, Defensive Back (1951-1958)
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Bill Dudley, Running Back (1947-1949)
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Frank Gatski, Center (1957)
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John Henry Johnson, Running Back (1957-1959)
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Dick "Night Train" Lane, Cornerback (1960-1965)
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Yale Lary, Safety/Punter (1952-1964)
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Bobby Layne, Quarterback (1950-1958)
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Barry Sanders, Running Back (1989-1998)
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Charlie Sanders, Tight End (1968-1977)
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Joe Schmidt, Linebacker/Coach (Player: 1953-1965;
Coach: 1967-1972))
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Doak Walker, Running Back (1950-1955)
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Alex Wojciechowicz, Linebacker/Center (1938-1946)
The design of the Detroit Lions NFL Fleece: Allover consists
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