Detroit Lions: 5 legends every Pride fan should know

DETROIT - OCTOBER 10: Fans line up to enter Ford Field prior to the start of the game between the Chicago Bears and the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on October 10, 2011 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
DETROIT - OCTOBER 10: Fans line up to enter Ford Field prior to the start of the game between the Chicago Bears and the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on October 10, 2011 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
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Chris Spielman, Detroit Lions
Mandatory Credit: Rick Stewart /Allsport

The Detroit Lions haven’t been the most winning franchise for the better part of this past century, but they have had some amazing talent over the years …

The Detroit Lions were once a powerhouse in the NFL. The team has won four NFL championships, the last of which was in 1957. Since then, however, the Lions have managed only one playoff win. Detroit hasn’t found themselves in the good graces of the football gods for quite some time now, but the lack of success is not due to the lack of talent.

Let’s take a look at five former star players that have called Detroit home. Please note, this is not a ranking, just a remembrance of some legends that we don’t hear about outside of Detroit all too often these days. It’s a shame too, as these guys aren’t just legends in Motown, but the entire league and sometimes it seems as if they have been forgotten.

#1 – Chris Spielman, Linebacker

Chris Spielman was with the Lions for the first eight seasons of his 10-year career. He played his last two seasons as a member of the Buffalo Bills. From 1988-1997 Spielman was a feared monster on defense.

Spielman played in 148 career games, starting every one of them. His career numbers include six interceptions, 13 forced fumbles, 19 fumble recoveries, 10.5 sacks, and one score. Chris Spielman had 1,363 career tackles, with 1,181 being solo tackles.

Chris Spielman’s intensity and football knowledge made him a dominant player. Opponents tried to run, they tried to hide, but there was no running or hiding from big number 54.

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