Detroit Lions Top 50: #39-35 with VIDEO

35. Doug English, DT, 1975-1979, 1981-1985

Part of the Lions’ vaunted “Silver Rush,” English terrorized quarterbacks throughout his career, notching four sacks in a game twice, as part of one of the best defensive fronts in Lions history.

English was a four-time Pro Bowler, with three of those nominations coming after he took the 1980 season off to try his hand in the oil industry.

The 6-foot-5, 255 pound English was Detroit’s second-round pick in 1975 out of the University of Texas. He helped the Longhorns to three Southwest Conference titles. In 2011, he was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Doug’s best pro season came in 1983, when he recorded 13 sacks. That year the Lions won the NFC Central Division title with a 9-7 mark. He finished his career with 59 sacks, which still places him sixth on the Lions’ all-time list. He was named All-Pro three times (1981, 1983–84) and went to four Pro Bowls (1979, 1982–84).

Check back with Detroit Jock City tomorrow for 34-30 of our Detroit Lions Top 50!