# The 17 Best Detroit Lions Players of All Time

> Vintage leather-helmet legends share the field with modern-day playmakers in this lineup, spanning championship dynasties, record-breaking runs, and the current roster's resurgence. Who's the franchise's true GOAT?

*By YPB Team · Published July 24, 2026 · https://youpick.best/ranking/the-17-best-detroit-lions-players-of-all-time*

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## Current results (3 votes)

1. **Barry Sanders** — 66.67% (2 votes · score 1000/1000)
   The franchise's all-time leading rusher, a Hall of Fame running back famed for his elusive, jaw-dropping cuts.
2. **Yale Lary** — 33.33% (1 votes · score 731/1000)
   A Hall of Fame safety and punter known for his all-around excellence in the 1950s and 60s.
3. **Herman Moore** — 0% (0 votes · score 642/1000)
   A record-setting wide receiver who once led the NFL in receptions during a stellar 1990s stretch.
4. **Calvin Johnson** — 0% (0 votes · score 577/1000)
   Nicknamed 'Megatron,' a Hall of Fame wide receiver who once set the NFL single-season receiving yards record.
5. **Joe Schmidt** — 0% (0 votes · score 576/1000)
   A Hall of Fame middle linebacker and defensive captain who anchored the Lions' championship defenses.
6. **Doak Walker** — 0% (0 votes · score 576/1000)
   A Hall of Fame halfback and Heisman winner who electrified fans as a versatile offensive weapon in the 1950s.
7. **Amon-Ra St. Brown** — 0% (0 votes · score 500/1000)
   A dynamic modern-era wide receiver and franchise leader who became one of the NFL's top pass-catchers.
8. **Lem Barney** — 0% (0 votes · score 500/1000)
   A Hall of Fame cornerback and Rookie of the Year known for his ball-hawking instincts in the secondary.
9. **Robert Porcher** — 0% (0 votes · score 500/1000)
   A durable defensive end who remains the franchise's all-time sack leader.
10. **Matthew Stafford** — 0% (0 votes · score 409/1000)
   The franchise's all-time leading passer, known for his arm strength and 12-year tenure as starting quarterback.
11. **Aidan Hutchinson** — 0% (0 votes · score 409/1000)
   A explosive edge rusher and top draft pick who became the anchor of the Lions' modern defensive resurgence.
12. **Bobby Layne** — 0% (0 votes · score 409/1000)
   The swaggering Hall of Fame quarterback who led the Lions to three NFL championships in the 1950s.
13. **Jason Hanson** — 0% (0 votes · score 300/1000)
   The franchise's all-time leading scorer, a kicker who played 21 seasons entirely with the Lions.
14. **Chris Spielman** — 0% (0 votes · score 300/1000)
   A hard-hitting linebacker and fan favorite known for his relentless tackling and leadership in the late 1980s and 90s.
15. **Alex Karras** — 0% (0 votes · score 167/1000)
   A dominant Hall of Fame defensive tackle known for his relentless pass rush through the 1960s.
16. **Charlie Sanders** — 0% (0 votes · score 167/1000)
   A Hall of Fame tight end who redefined the position with his receiving ability in the 1970s.
17. **Jared Goff** — 0% (0 votes · score 167/1000)
   The quarterback who led the Lions back to prominence, setting franchise passing records in the 2020s.

Tags: football, players, nfl, detroit lions