Top 10 Defensive Backs In Detroit Lions History
player. 50. . Defensive Back. 1951-1958. Jack Christiansen. 2
Jack Christiansen was drafted in the sixth round of the 1951 NFL Draft by the Lions. His first impact was not in the defensive backfield, but rather as a returner, as he led the NFL in both punt return touchdowns and punt return average in both 1951 and 1952. He returned eight punts for touchdowns during his career and was the first player in NFL history to return two punts for touchdowns in one game, a feat he accomplished twice.
From 1953 onward, Christensen was primarily known as an elite defensive back. He led the NFL in interceptions in 1953 with 12, which is still tied for the franchise record, and was named to his first of five straight Pro Bowls.
Christiansen was the leader of the Lions’ defensive backfield during the 50s, known as “Chris’ Crew,” which included Jim David, Yale Lary and Terry Barr and helped the Lions win three NFL Championships. He led the league in interceptions again with 10 in 1957. He intercepted 46 passes in his eight-year career in Detroit, which ranks fourth in franchise history.
Christiansen retired after the 1958 season to take a job as an assistant coach with the San Francisco 49ers which started a 25-year coaching career, including head coaching stints with the 49ers (1963-67) and Stanford University (1972-76). Christiansen was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1970 and is a member of the NFL’s 1950s All-Decade Team.
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