The Detroit Lions All-Time Defensive Team

Mandatory Credit: Tom Pidgeon /Allsport
Mandatory Credit: Tom Pidgeon /Allsport
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Which legendary Motor City players from yesteryear made my All-Time Detroit Lions Defensive Team? Keep reading to find out!

DETROIT, MI – OCTOBER 18: Joe Schmidt, Lem Barney and Barry Sanders (left to right ) show off their rings during the Pro Football Hall of Fame half time show during the Chicago Bears v Detroit Lions game at Ford Field on October 18, 2015 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – OCTOBER 18: Joe Schmidt, Lem Barney and Barry Sanders (left to right ) show off their rings during the Pro Football Hall of Fame half time show during the Chicago Bears v Detroit Lions game at Ford Field on October 18, 2015 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Oftentimes, Detroit Lions fans have to escape to a fantasy world in order to keep from losing their sanity during a disappointing season!

Nowadays, fantasy football is virtually ubiquitous, but “fantasy” football can mean different things to different people.

For some people (myself included), creating a digital doppelgänger of themselves in the latest edition of the Madden NFL video game is an enjoyable variant of fantasy football.

Water cooler conversations with other fans that bring together players from different eras in theoretical “what if” scenarios is another fantasy aspect of football and that’s the area that I will be delving more into with this column.

The Lions have had 20 Pro Football Hall of Famers suit up for them in addition to fielding several other memorable players who have had meaningful impacts on the organization since the team’s inception in 1930.

From those players, I will be making my selections for Detroit’s all time starting defensive and offensive units, beginning this week with the side of the ball that wins championships, the defense.

I’ve made my selections based off of official stats that the players accrued as members of the Detroit Lions and overall team impact.

Remember that this is my own “fantasy” roster lineup and with so many greats to choose from, there are no right or wrong answers. Enjoy!

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