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Lists that rank the greatest players and coaches in the history of the NFL franchise.

Calvin Johnson

This is a list of the <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-detroit-lions-running-backs/ranker-nfl?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">best Detroit Lions</a> of all time. Formed in 1929 in Portsmouth, Ohio, the team known as the Lions put down roots in Detroit in 1934. Despite the failings of the past half century, the Lions have won four NFL championships with the last being in 1957. Despite having only one playoff win since then, the Lions have had several Hall of Fame players on its roster, including debatebly the <a href="http://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-best-nfl-running-backs-of-all-time"> best running back of all time</a>. There is a long period where the Lions didn&#39;t have any of the best players in team history, but in recent years, the Lions have made up for their lean years by drafting some of the best young talent in football.

The 1950s and early 1960s were a prosperous time for the Lions. With quarterback Bobby Layne at the helm, these Lions teams featured some of the <a href="http://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/best-football-players-ever">best players ever</a>. Doak Walker, Dick &quot;Night Train,&quot; Lem Barney and Joe Schmidt all played for the Lions during this time. In 1989, the Lions drafted running back Barry Sanders, who is not only one of the most popular star players the Lions have ever had, but one of the best ever. Those Lions teams also had great Lions players like Herman Moore as well. Today, Lions stars Calvin Johnson, Matthew Stafford and Ndamukong Suh all have potential to be some of the best players in Lions history.

This is the list of the greatest Detroit Lions of all time. If you think someone should be on this list of the best Lions of all time, then feel free to add him to the list. Vote or rerank this list of the greatest Detroit Lions ever, then head over and check out the <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-detroit-lions-kickers-ever/ranker-nfl" target="_blank">top Lions kickers ever</a> and <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/every-detroit-lions-tight-end-ranked/ranker-nfl" target="_blank">best Lions tight ends</a>.

Big fan of Detroit football? Then check out this list of Detroit Lions running backs with photos and seasons as starters.&nbsp;It includes every starting running back from throughout Detroit Lions history, including current running backs and past ones. Featuring 2018-2019 Detroit Lions and some of the greatest NFL&nbsp;running backs&nbsp;of all time, the best Lions RBs include Barry Sanders, Billy Sims, Kevin Jones, and James Stewart.&nbsp;

Who are the <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-best-nfl-running-backs-of-all-time?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">best running backs</a> in Detroit Lions history? Here is every player who has ever held the position of Detroit Lions&nbsp;starting running back. Vote below, then head over and check out the <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-detroit-lions-kickers-ever/ranker-nfl" target="_blank">top Lions kickers ever</a> and <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/every-detroit-lions-tight-end-ranked/ranker-nfl" target="_blank">best Lions tight ends</a>.

Quarterbacks

Big fan of Detroit football? Then check out this list of Detroit Lions quarterbacks with photos! It includes every starting quarterback from throughout Detroit Lions history, including current quarterbacks and past ones. This roster contains many American football greats, players in the game with the highest ratings in the NFL. The QB is the leader of the offensive team, the one who often calls the plays. Although most teams use an offensive coordinator now, QBs still need to know the intricacies of the rules for trick plays and tactics. Vigorous training is a must-- and don&#39;t forget that a quarterback is only as good as his receivers.

Featuring 2018-2019 Detroit Lions and some of the <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/the-best-quarterbacks-of-all-time?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">greatest NFL quarterbacks</a>&nbsp;of all time, the best Lions QBs include&nbsp;Booby Layne, Matthew Stafford, Eric Hipple, and Dutch Clark, among many other football greats.

Who are the best quarterbacks in Detroit Lions history? Here is every athlete who&#39;s ever held the illustrious position of Detroit Lions quarterback. Vote below, then head over and check out the <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-detroit-lions-kickers-ever/ranker-nfl" target="_blank">top Lions kickers ever</a> and <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/every-detroit-lions-tight-end-ranked/ranker-nfl" target="_blank">best Lions tight ends</a>.

Coaches

Tommy Hudspeth

There have been many Detroit Lions coaches since the team got its start, but who is truly the best Detroit Lions coach of all time? Help us answer that question by upvoting your personal favorite Detroit Lions coaches, and downvoting any that you believe brought the team down. Unfortunately the Lions have never even been to a Super Bowl, and are only one of four teams to hold that honor. &nbsp; The Lions have not historically had a lot of playoff success, but Wayne Fontes coached the team to several playoff seasons during his run from 1988-1996. The Lions only went 1-4 during those appearances, but at least he helped them get there. &nbsp; Since 1996 there have been 8 different Lions head coaches, including names like Dick Jauron, Bobby Ross, and most recently Jim Schwartz. The current head coach of the Detroit Lions is Jim Caldwell, having been with the team since 2014. &nbsp; Who is the greatest Detroit Lions coach of all time? Let us know by upvoting for your favorite head coaches below that you believe really made an impact on the franchise.

Football

Big fan of Detroit football? Then check out this list of Detroit Lions wide receivers with photos and seasons as starters.&nbsp;It includes every starting wide receiver from throughout <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/best-detroit-lions-of-all-time?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">Detroit Lions history</a>, including current wide receivers and past ones. Featuring 2018-2019 Detroit Lions and some of the greatest NFL&nbsp;wide receivers of all time,&nbsp;the best Lions&nbsp;WRs include Calvin Johnson, Roy Williams, Herman Moore, and Johnnie Morton.

Who are the best wide receivers in Detroit Lions history? Here is every player who has ever held the position of Detroit Lions&nbsp;starting wide receiver. Vote below, then head over and check out the <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/best-detroit-lions-kickers-ever/ranker-nfl" target="_blank">top Lions kickers ever</a> and <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/every-detroit-lions-tight-end-ranked/ranker-nfl" target="_blank">best Lions tight ends</a>.

Big fan of Detroit football? Then check out this list of Detroit Lions linebackers with photos and seasons as starters.&nbsp;It includes every starting linebacker from throughout <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/best-detroit-lions-of-all-time?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">Detroit Lions history</a>, including current linebackers and past ones. An important part of the Detroit defense, the LB position includes middle or inside linebackers and outside (strong side or weakside) linebackers. Featuring some of the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/top-25-greatest-linebackers-of-all-time?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">greatest NFL linebackers</a> of all time,&nbsp;the best Lions&nbsp;LBs include DeAndre Levy, Stephen Boyd, George Jamison, and Dennis Gibson.In the 2017-18 NFL season, the current Detroit Lions starting LBs and backup LBs are Brandon Chubb, Jarrad Davis, Steve Longa, and Jalen Reeves-Maybin.&nbsp; Who are the best linebackers in Detroit Lions history? Here is every player who has ever held the position of Detroit Lions&nbsp;starting linebacker.

Big fan of Detroit football? Then check out this list of Detroit Lions cornerbacks with photos and seasons as starters.&nbsp;It includes every starting cornerback from throughout Detroit Lions history, including current cornerbacks and past ones. An important part of the Detroit defensive backfield, the CB position requires fast players to cover receivers, defend against pass offenses, and make tackles. Featuring 2018-2019 Lions and&nbsp;some of the&nbsp;greatest NFL cornerbacks of all time,&nbsp;the best Lions&nbsp;CBs include Darius Slay, Nevin Lawson, Dick LeBeau, Lem Barney, and Bruce McNorton.Who are the best cornerbacks in Detroit Lions history? Here is every player who has ever held the position of Detroit Lions&nbsp;starting cornerback.

Many of the Detroit Lions&#39; first-round draft picks have failed to leave a mark on the NFL. In fact, players like Aaron Gibson and Joey Harrington are often sited among <a href="https://www.ranker.com/list/biggest-first-round-nfl-draft-pick-busts/ranker-sports" target="_blank">the biggest draft busts in NFL history</a>. However, fans can also count among Lions draft picks Barry Sanders, one of <a href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/best-football-players-ever" target="_blank">the greatest football players of all time</a>, so it hasn&#39;t been all bad.&nbsp;

But who has been the top first-round pick in the history of the Lions? The stats below reflect only players&rsquo; time spent with Detroit, and that&rsquo;s what you should consider when voting. How much did these players help the team that drafted them?

The Detroit Lions have had some great tight ends throughout the franchise&rsquo;s history. This list of past Lions tight ends features former greats, current impact players, and even future stars.&nbsp;As the tight end position increasingly becomes more of a focal point in the offensive schemes of today, one can only imagine what this list could look like in years down the road. No matter what happens in the evolution of this position, these Detroit tight ends have left a legacy for this that can&rsquo;t be taken away.&nbsp;

Great <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/best-detroit-lions-of-all-time?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">Detroit Lions players</a> such as Charlie Sanders, Jim Gibbons, and Brandon Pettigrew have gone down as some of the <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/top-25-greatest-tight-ends-of-all-time?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">best tight ends</a> in franchise history.

So who is the greatest tight end in Detroit Lions history? Which of these tight ends has left a lasting legacy in the Motor City? Vote below for who you think is the best Detroit Lions tight end of all time!

The best Detroit Lions kickers ever have all had a part in some of the biggest moments in franchise history. NFL games can be won and lost by one or two points, making every made or missed kick of the greatest importance and every starting kicker a potential hero.

While recent stars like Jason Hanson and Matt Prater have made their mark in the Lions&rsquo; past, early standouts like Eddie Murray and Errol Mann helped craft their own legacies in the old days of&nbsp;the franchise.

So which of these kickers from <a class="edS-cl" href="https://www.ranker.com/crowdranked-list/best-detroit-lions-of-all-time?ref=internalCrossLinking_keyword">Detroit Lions history</a> deserves to rank near the top of the list? Who are the best Lions kickers of all-time? Vote below, and check back to see what other football fans thought.

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The 40+ Best Detroit Lions Wide Receivers, Ranked

The Best Detroit Lions Wide Receivers of All Time

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FREEFORM

Calvin Johnson Jr.  (born September 29, 1985) is a former American football wide receiver. A two-time All-American at Georgia Tech, Johnson was selected second overall by the Detroit Lions of the National Football League in the 2007 NFL Draft, and he played for the Lions for all of his professional career. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest wide receivers of all time despite his early retirement at age 30 in 2016.On March 14, 2012, Johnson signed an eight-year, $132 million contract extension with the Lions, one of the largest sports contracts ever.
Johnson had a rare combination of size (6 ft 5 in and 239 lbs), catching ability, speed (40-yard dash in 4.35 seconds), strength, leaping ability, and body control. He was nicknamed Megatron, after a Transformers character; the name was given to him by Lions teammate Roy Williams and caught on with fans.
On December 22, 2012, Johnson broke Jerry Rice's single-season record of 1,848 receiving yards, and finished the 2012 season with 1,964 yards, an average of almost 123 yards per game. In that same game versus the Atlanta Falcons, Johnson also set the NFL records for consecutive 100-yard games (8, later tied by Adam Thielen) and consecutive games with 10 or more receptions (4). He tied Michael Irvin's record for most 100-yard games in a season with 11.

Herman Moore

Herman Joseph Moore (born October 20, 1969) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in National Football League (NFL) for twelve seasons.  He played college football for the Virginia Cavaliers.  He was drafted by the Detroit Lions in the first round of the 1991 NFL Draft, and also played for the NFL's New York Giants.

Golden Tate

Golden Herman Tate III (born August 2, 1988) is an American football wide receiver for the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Notre Dame, where he was recognized as an All-American, and was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the second round of the 2010 NFL Draft. He has also played for the Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions, with whom he made a Pro Bowl appearance.

Kenny Golladay

Kenny Golladay (born November 3, 1993) is an American football wide receiver for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Northern Illinois and North Dakota, and was drafted by the Lions in the third round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Golladay attended and played high school football at Chicago's St. Rita High School. Golladay began his collegiate career at North Dakota in 2012. As a freshman, Golladay had 30 catches for 429 yards and a touchdown. In his sophomore season in 2013, Golladay had a breakout year with a team-high 69 catches for 884 yards and eight touchdowns.

Johnnie Morton

Johnnie James Morton Jr. (born October 7, 1971) is a former American football wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL) during the 1990s and 2000s.  He played college football for the University of Southern California (USC), and was recognized as an All-American in 1993.  Originally drafted by the Detroit Lions in the first round in the 1994 NFL Draft, he also played professionally for the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers of the NFL. Morton also had a brief career in mixed martial arts fighting in 2007.



Marvin Jones

Marvin Lewis Jones Jr. (born March 12, 1990) is an American football wide receiver for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League (NFL). He was drafted by the Cincinnati Bengals in the fifth round of the 2012 NFL Draft. He played college football at California. Jones attended Etiwanda High School, in Rancho Cucamonga, California, from 2004 to 2008. As a senior, he had 81 receptions for 1,040 yards and 10 touchdowns, leading the Eagles to a share of the Baseline League championship. He is Etiwanda's all-time leading receiver and was a Super Prep magazine All-American.

Brett Perriman

Brett Perriman (born October 10, 1965) is a former American football wide receiver in the NFL for the New Orleans Saints (1988–1990), the Detroit Lions (1991–1996), the Kansas City Chiefs (1997), and the Miami Dolphins (1997). He played college football at the University of Miami.

Nate Burleson

Nathaniel Eugene Burleson (born August 19, 1981) is an American football commentator and former wide receiver. He played college football for the Nevada Wolf Pack and was drafted into the National Football League (NFL) by the Minnesota Vikings in the third round of the 2003 NFL Draft. Burleson was also a member of the Seattle Seahawks and Detroit Lions. Burleson is now working with NFL Network on Good Morning Football and CBS Sports on The NFL Today.

Roy Williams

Roy Eugene Williams Jr. (born December 20, 1981) is a former American football wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL) for the Detroit Lions, Dallas Cowboys, and Chicago Bears. He played college football for the University of Texas Longhorns.

Anquan Boldin

Anquan Kenmile Boldin Sr. (; born October 3, 1980) is a former American football wide receiver who spent 14 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Florida State and was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the second round of the 2003 NFL draft. He also played for the Baltimore Ravens, San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions.
Boldin was the 2003 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, was selected to three Pro Bowls and won Super Bowl XLVII with the Ravens. In 2015, he was named the Walter Payton Man of the Year for his community service.

Leonard Thompson

Leonard Irwin Thompson (born July 28, 1952 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma) is a former American football wide receiver in the National Football League who spent his entire NFL career with the Detroit Lions (1975–1986).
Thompson was an eighth-round pick in the 1975 NFL Draft out of Oklahoma State. He spent his first five seasons as a backup at halfback and wideout for the Lions (his position at halfback was why he wore #39 even after playing exclusively as a receiver, which is technically outside of the NFL's uniform numbering system [receivers were only limited to wearing numbers between 80 and 89 then]). On December 11, 1977, Thompson blocked a David Lee punt on the Baltimore Colts 21 yard line, returning it 2 yards for a touchdown with 14 seconds left in the game.  The clutch play gave the Lions an improbable 13-10 victory.
In 1980, Thompson earned a starting role as wide receiver opposite Freddie Scott.  Thompson caught 19 passes for 511 yards and 3 touchdowns.  He caught another 214 passes over the next six seasons, including 26 touchdowns. He would lead the Lions in receiving in 1985 with 51 catches, for 736 yards and 5 scores.
Thompson’s career ended when the Lions released him before the start of the 1987 season.  He played all 12 seasons of his career with the Lions, scoring 39 total touchdowns.

Germane Crowell

Germane L. Crowell (born September 13, 1976) is a former American football wide receiver in the National Football League. In the 1998 NFL draft, Crowell was selected in the second round (50th overall) by the Detroit Lions. He played five seasons for the Lions from 1998 until 2002.  He is the older brother of NFL linebacker Angelo Crowell.

Pete Mandley

William "Pete" H. Mandley (born July 29, 1961 in Mesa, Arizona), is a former professional American football player who was selected by the Detroit Lions in the 2nd round of the 1984 NFL Draft. A 5'10" 191 lbs. wide receiver from Northern Arizona, Mandley played in 7 NFL seasons from 1984-1990. His best year as a pro came during the 1987 season for the Lions when he caught 58 receptions for 720 yards and 7 touchdowns.
On August 16, 1987, Mandley and his family were supposed to be on Northwest Airlines Flight 255 from Detroit to Phoenix when his daughter had taken ill.  He cancelled his reservation and decided that he and his family would stay in Detroit an extra day.  He later learned that the flight had crashed on takeoff killing all but one on board.

Mark Nichols

Mark Nichols is a former American football wide receiver in the National Football League. Nichols was selected in the first round by the Detroit Lions out of San Jose State University in the 1981 NFL Draft.

Mike Furrey

Michael Thomas Furrey (; born May 12, 1977) is a former American football wide receiver and safety and current wide receivers coach for the Chicago Bears. He was signed by the Indianapolis Colts as an undrafted free agent in 2000. He played college football at Northern Iowa and Ohio State University.
Furrey was also a member of the New York Dragons, Las Vegas Outlaws, St. Louis Rams, Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns, and Washington Redskins.

Az-Zahir Hakim

Az-Zahir Ali Hakim (born June 3, 1977) is an American football coach and former wide receiver. He played college football at San Diego State. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the fourth round (96th overall) of the 1998 NFL Draft. He also was a member of the Detroit Lions, New Orleans Saints, San Diego Chargers, Miami Dolphins, and Las Vegas Locomotives. As a coach, he served as the wide receivers coach of the San Diego Fleet of the Alliance of American Football in 2019.

Willie Green

Willie Aaron Green (born April 2, 1966) is a former professional American football wide receiver who played for the Detroit Lions, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Carolina Panthers, and the Denver Broncos in the National Football League. He played college football at the University of Mississippi.

Luther Blue

Luther Blue is a former professional American football player who played wide receiver for the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles.

Freddie Scott

Freddie Lee Scott (born August 5, 1952 in Grady, Arkansas) is a former American football wide receiver who played from 1974 through 1983 in the National Football League. In 2001, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
His son, Freddie Scott II also played wide receiver for Penn State University, and in the NFL from 1996 through 1998 for the Detroit Lions and the Indianapolis Colts.  Another son, Brandon Scott, played for Bowling Green State University.

Jeff Chadwick

Jeffrey Allan Chadwick (born December 16, 1960), is a former professional American football player. A 6'3", 185-lb. wide receiver from Grand Valley State University, Chadwick was never drafted by a National Football League team, but did play in 126 games over 10 NFL seasons from 1983 to 1992 for the Detroit Lions, the Seattle Seahawks, and the Los Angeles Rams, catching a career total of 4549 yards and 27 touchdowns.Chadwick attended Divine Child High School in Dearborn, Michigan before attending Grand Valley State, where he competed in track and field as well as football from 1979 to 1982.  In 1993 he was admitted to Grand Valley's hall of fame.He was also  Receiver/Tight End Coach at Adrenaline Athletic Training in Riverside, CA.  He is currently living in Clare, MI operating a family resort - Sunset Shores - www.sunsetshores.net
.

Shaun McDonald

Shaun Terrance McDonald (born June 30, 1981) is a former American football wide receiver. He was drafted by the St. Louis Rams in the fourth round of the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at Arizona State.
McDonald has also played for the Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers.

Robert Clark

Robert James Clark (born August 6, 1965) is a former professional American football wide receiver in the National Football League. He played for the New Orleans Saints (1987–1988), the Detroit Lions (1989–1991), Miami Dolphins (1992), Toronto Argonauts (1993), and the Baltimore Stallions (1994–1995). 
Robert Clark graduated from North Carolina Central University in 1987 with a BA degree in political science. He holds multiple receiving and offensive records with Central. 
On March 6, Robert Clark and Audrey (Washington) Ferguson had his first daughter, Danielle (Washington) Dent. On August 2,  Robert Clark had his second daughter Skyler Jade Clark.

Scottie Vines

Scottie Vines (born April 17, 1979 in Alexander City, Alabama) is an American football player who played wide receiver for the Detroit Lions.  He played college football for the University of Wyoming.



Jeff Campbell

Jeff Campbell is a former professional American football player who played wide receiver for the Detroit Lions and Denver Broncos.

Larry Walton

Larry James Walton (born February 8, 1947) is a former American football wide receiver.  He played eight years in the National Football League for the Detroit Lions (1969-1974 and 1976) and Buffalo Bills (1978). His best seasons were from 1970 to 1972 when he caught 84 passes for 1,508 yards and 16 touchdowns.  He missed the 1975 season after undergoing knee surgery.  He was cut by the Lions in September 1977, later attempting a comeback with the Bills in 1978.Walton was born in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, in 1947.  He played college football at Trinidad State Junior College in Colorado and at Arizona State University. In November 1967, he tied a Western Athletic Conference record with four touchdowns (three rushing, one receiving) in a game. He gained 719 yards for Arizona State in 1968.

Big fan of Detroit football? Then check out this list of Detroit Lions wide receivers with photos and seasons as starters.&nbsp;It includes every starting ...