The 5 best running backs in Detroit Lions history

5. Dexter Bussey

Bussey spent his entire 11-year NFL career with the Lions (1974-1984). He led the team in rushing each year from 1975-1979, topping 1,000 yards from scrimmage in 1976, 1978 and 1980. He moved to fullback in 1980 to accomodate the notable addition of someone else on this list.

And as mentioned, all Bussey did was top 1,000 total yards with an ahead of his time-looking 39 receptions as a fullback in that first year playing the position. He and Billy Sims combined for over 2,000 rushing yards in 1980. The only other time in Lions' history the team topped 2,000 rushing yards in a season was Barry Sanders' 2,000-yard campaign in 1997.

Via Mike O'Hara of the Lions' website, back in 2020, Bussey talked about his position switch. He notably did not bulk up from the 195 pounds he played halfback at.

"It was easy from the switching standpoint," Bussey said, looking back 40 years to a pivotal career moment.

"The coaches and my teammates had the confidence that I could do it. As long as you're not afraid, you go at it, and it worked out.""

Bussey became the Lions' all-time leading rusher in 1981, passing Altie Taylor, and he held that spot until 1984.