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Top 10 Defensive Backs In Detroit Lions History

By Colton Wesley

Sep 13, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay (23) runs back to the sideline after intercepting San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (not pictured) along with free safety Glover Quin (27), defensive back Josh Wilson (30) and strong safety James Ihedigbo (32) during the second quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. San Diego won 33-28. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 13, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay (23) runs back to the sideline after intercepting San Diego Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (not pictured) along with free safety Glover Quin (27), defensive back Josh Wilson (30) and strong safety James Ihedigbo (32) during the second quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. San Diego won 33-28. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 3, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; General view of the Detroit Lions logo at the 50-yard line during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 3, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; General view of the Detroit Lions logo at the 50-yard line during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

50. . Defensive Back. 1988-1996. Don Doll. 7. player

Don Doll only played for the Lions for four seasons, but he left his mark on the franchise record books. After being drafted in the ninth round in 1949, he intercepted 11 passes in his rookie season, which set a team record.

He picked off four passes in one game against the Chicago Cardinals on October 23, which is still a franchise record. He also led the NFL in kick return yards (536), and he gained 301 yards on interception returns as well, which remains a franchise single-season record.

In 1950, he intercepted 12 passes, re-setting the team record (which would later be matched by Jack Christiansen in 1953), and was named to the first Pro Bowl, the first of three straight appearances in the game for Doll. In 1952, Doll and the Lions won the NFL Championship, and Doll won the Pro Bowl MVP award.

In 1953, Doll was traded to Washington, where he caught 10 interceptions that season and was named to a fourth consecutive Pro Bowl. He is still the only player in NFL history to record three double-digit interception seasons. He was traded again in 1954, this time to the Los Angeles Rams, where he played for one season before retiring and becoming a coach.

For the next 34 years, Doll worked as a college and professional coach, including two stints in Detroit. He was the team’s defensive backfield coach from 1963-64, and 1978-88 served as special teams coach, then tight ends coach, after which he retired.

Next: 6. Jim David

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