Detroit Lions: 30 Best Draft Picks in Team History
By Eli Kaplan
27. Eddie Murray (kicker/punter) – Jason Hanson was the most special of Detroit Lions special teams forces from 1992-2012. But before the Hanson era, the Lions had the Eddie Murray era.
In the 7th round of the 1980 NFL draft (#166 overall), the Lions selected Murray, out of Tulane. Murray would go on to play for the Chiefs, Buccaneers, Cowboys, Eagles, Redskins (twice), Vikings, and Cowboys, but he spent the bulk of his career with Detroit (1980-1991).
Murray would go on to become a 2-time pro bowl selection, the sixteenth highest overall scorer in NFL history, and a Super Bowl champion (NOT with the Lions of course).
Most of Murray’s Detroit Lions kicking records have since been passed by Jason Hanson, but Murray is still amongst the leaders in career points (2nd), extra points – career (2nd), extra points – season (3rd), career field goals (2nd), most field goals in a game (2nd most, with five), and highest field goal percentage for a season (3rd and 4th best).
Lions fans have a high standard for kickers, due to the great career Jason Hanson had, but before Hanson, Eddie Murray established an excellent standard of his own. As a result, the Murray pick should be remembered fondly.
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