The Detroit Lions have had an illustrious historical past of working backs all through their group’s historical past.
Although the group hasn’t had the success of others throughout the league, there have been a number of people to grace the Lions’ backfield and make a big effect over the course of their careers.
Barry Sanders is the notable identify, however there are a number of others who made large statements all through their careers. Detroit additionally has a pair of extraordinarily gifted backs on its roster at present in Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery.
Listed here are the 4 working again representatives on the Lions’ All-Grit workforce.
Clark was one of many early franchise greats, as he was a member for the ultimate two years of the workforce being referred to as the Portsmouth Spartans. After a quick hiatus during which he entered the teaching world, Clark returned after the workforce’s transfer to Detroit and wound up having a big effect.
He did not put up gaudy numbers by at this time’s requirements, however was a six-time first-team All-Professional choice all through his time with the group. Clark was predominantly a working again, but additionally threw some passes and contributed on particular groups.
All through his time with the Lions, Clark totaled 2,772 dashing yards and 1,507 passing yards. He additionally made 15 area targets, and was extensively considered a wonderful chief, in response to his Professional Soccer Corridor of Fame bio. He was inducted into the Corridor in 1963.
A Texas native whom the Lions drafted within the third spherical of the 1974 draft, Bussey is a forgotten nice within the Lions’ group. He performed 11 years for the workforce, and was the highest possibility within the backfield early in his profession.
Bussey‘s profession was headlined by a 924-yard season in 1978. Nonetheless, the Lions elected to go in a unique path after they drafted Billy Sims forward of the 1980 season. Moderately than accept second billing, Bussey modified positions and have become the workforce’s fullback.
Although he would not be the workforce’s starter for the 5 seasons he shared with Sims, Bussey nonetheless was a dependable contributor. He’s at present third place in franchise historical past in dashing yards. His longevity, together with the truth that he switched positions and remained a contributor, cements his place on the All-Grit workforce.
The primary general choose of the 1980 draft, Sims began his profession with a bang. The rookie rushed for 1,303 yards in his debut season, incomes Rookie of the 12 months honors within the course of. His second season was even greater, as he tallied 1,437 yards and 13 touchdowns.
An enormous, bodily runner who blended that power properly with velocity, Sims had the look of an all-timer. Nonetheless, accidents would current a merciless accident.
He performed simply 9 video games in 1982, and even after he performed a full yr in 1983 and had one other season with over 1,000 yards, his profession could be ended by a knee damage in 1984.
One of many biggest working backs of all-time, Sanders had an distinctive profession. He rushed for over 1,000 yards in every of his 10 seasons, together with a 2,053-yard season in 1997. Sanders was additionally a Professional Bowl choice every year.
The well-decorated working again most notably cut up MVP honors with Inexperienced Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre in 1997, and was named a first-team All-Professional a complete of six occasions. He holds the franchise report for dashing yards in a profession by a large margin.
Whereas Sanders’ profession got here to a stunning and largely unceremonious finish when he shocked the league by retiring, he’s remembered fondly for the influence he had on the group and his standing as one of many sport’s greatest at his place.
