Detroit Lions Black History Month Profile: Night Train Lane
One of the most feared competitors of his era, Detroit Lions’ legend Dick “Night Train” Lane established his dominance with sheer physicality…and a great nickname!
Detroit Lions legend Dick Lane was born into somber conditions to parents who couldn’t properly care for a baby. His beginnings set a precedent for him to work throughout his life to overcome his circumstances.
Lane was eventually adopted by a loving mother after being given up for adoption by his birth parents. As he grew older, he resided in Texas, Iowa, and Nebraska. Lane worked odd jobs growing up as he simultaneously excelled in basketball, baseball, and football.
In 1948, at the age of 20, Lane enlisted into the US Army where he served for four years. Upon his honorable discharge, Lane settled in Los Angeles where he worked manual labor for a local aircraft plant.
Entry to professional football and the birth of a nickname
Dick Lane boldly walked into the front office headquarters of the Los Angeles Rams in 1952 with a simple request.
He went in with a scrapbook of his athletic accomplishments and asked for an opportunity to prove his worth.
After being vetted and vouched for, Lane was signed as a free agent. From that point on, Lane made himself into an undeniable force on defense.
Rams teammate, Tom Fears, was a music fan and his song of choice in 1952 was the hit song “Night Train” by musician Jimmy Forrest. Fears played the song frequently throughout Rams camp that year.
Lane was often an understudy of Fears and after being referred to as “Night Train Lane” by another teammate, the moniker quickly gained steam and popularity.
The nickname was so popular in fact that people rarely referred to him by his given name.
Style of play
During Lane’s rookie year in 1952, he set an NFL record with 14 interceptions.
Night Train also made a name for himself with his tackling style.
Instead of solely tackling around the torso or going lower for the legs as was the norm, Lane focused on taking ball carriers down via the head and neck. His tackles were absolutely vicious and his patented move became known as the “Night Train Necktie.”
Night Train’s head-and-neck clothesline tackle was eventually outlawed by the NFL and Lane was also the reason for the implementation of the face mask penalty. His penchant for grabbing it and using it to tackle opposing players instilled a concern for player safety.
Detroit Lions
Night Train Lane was traded to the Chicago Cardinals in 1954 after two seasons in LA.
After spending six seasons in Chicago, yet another trade brought the Night Train rolling on into Detroit.
Lane was a three time Pro Bowler with the Lions (1960-1962) and continued his reputation of hard hits and taking the ball away from the other team.
Towards the end of his career, injuries began to derail the Night Train a bit and affected his productivity on the field.
Despite the onset of injuries and Father Time, Lane still tallied an impressive 21 interceptions with Detroit in six years.
At the time of his retirement, Lane’s 68 total interceptions were good enough for second most all time and currently places him at fourth most in NFL history.
Next: Detroit Lions 2018 NFL Draft - 7 round mock
Legacy
Night Train Lane left behind a football legacy of hard hits and interceptions.
His style of play directly influenced the NFL rulebook and how it’s enforced.
He was a hard worker with a memorable personality. He was one of the few pro football players who’s name was just as memorable as his play.
The Night Train rides on…