Detroit Lions: The Most Underrated Players In Team History
Wayne Walker
Over the course of 15 seasons in Detroit, Wayne Walker appeared in 200 games for the Lions, a record that stood until Jason Hanson broke it in 2004. From when he was drafted in the fourth round in 1958 until his retirement in 1972, he was named to the Pro Bowl three times, playing alongside greats including Joe Schmidt, Night Train Lane, Lem Barney, Yale Lary, Dick LeBeau and the Fearsome Foursome.
While not a stat sheet stuffer, he was a consistent player on one of the league’s best defensive units of the time. He scored two defensive touchdowns as a rookie in 1958 and was named the team’s defensive MVP in 1968. He intercepted 14 passes and recovered 15 fumbles in his career and is a member of Pro Football Reference’s All-1960s Decade Team.
He was also a kicker for the Lions, although he only made about 40.5% of his attempts, the lowest mark in NFL history among kickers with at least 100 career attempts. His 345 career points rank seventh in franchise history.
After his retirement, Walker went into broadcasting, calling San Francisco 49ers football and Oakland Athletics baseball, as well as other NFL games on CBS.
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