The Best Detroit Lions of All Time

Barry Sanders, widely regarded as the most elusive running back in NFL history, single-handedly redefined the position with his extraordinary vision and jaw-dropping jukes. His electric displays on the field captivated audiences far and wide, as he made countless defenders look foolish while racking up yard after yard for the Detroit Lions. Even though his career was relatively short, Sanders left an indelible mark on the sport, as fans and future generations of players alike continue to marvel at his highlight reel runs and unmatched agility.

Dubbed "Megatron" due to his freakish combination of size, speed, and athleticism, Calvin Johnson effectively rewrote the rulebook for what could be expected from a wide receiver during his tenure with the Detroit Lions. With an unparalleled ability to haul in seemingly uncatchable passes, Johnson consistently astounded spectators and opponents with his jaw-dropping catches and pure dominance on the gridiron. Though he retired from the game at the height of his prowess, Calvin's impact on the sport remains evident, as his acrobatic feats and aerial mastery continue to influence the way in which receivers and defensive backs approach their craft.

Known as the original "Night Train", Dick Lane patrolled the secondary of the Detroit Lions with an intensity and ferocity that struck fear into the hearts of opposing offenses. His bone-jarring hits and uncanny ability to sniff out plays before they unfolded made him one of the most feared, respected, and game-changing cornerbacks of his era. A trailblazer in his own right, Lane's physical brand of football continues to inspire present-day defensive backs, who strive to replicate the raw tenacity and unwavering commitment to excellence exhibited by Night Train himself.

A tireless worker and natural-born leader, Chris Spielman embodied the heart and soul of the Detroit Lions throughout his tenure with the team. As a hard-nosed, instinctive linebacker, Spielman brought an unrelenting energy and passion to the game that was truly contagious, rallying his teammates to perform at their highest level week in and week out. With an uncanny ability to dissect offensive schemes and dismantle plays, Spielman's legacy as one of the most committed and cerebral linebackers to ever don the Honolulu Blue and Silver remains firmly etched in Lions lore.

Often overlooked in conversations surrounding the league's elite quarterbacks, Matthew Stafford's gunslinging attitude and cannon of an arm have kept the Detroit Lions in contention through thick and thin. Whether it's last-second heroics or threading the needle between multiple defenders, Stafford's fearlessness and uncanny ability to place the football where only his receiver has a chance makes him one of the most exciting players to watch in the NFL. The franchise cornerstone for over a decade, Stafford's unwavering dedication and commitment to success have cemented his legacy as one of the greatest signal-callers in Detroit Lions history.

At a time when the league had yet to fully embrace the concept of the "big" wide receiver, Herman Moore stood head and shoulders above the competition, both literally and figuratively. With exceptional hands and a massive catch radius, Moore provided a consistent downfield threat for the Detroit Lions, consistently making clutch catches in even the most tightly-contested situations. Moore's dominance during his playing days has left a lasting impact on the sport, as future generations of receivers continue to model their game after his pioneering style of play.