Top 10 Defensive Backs In Detroit Lions History

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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6. player. 50. . Defensive Back. 1952-1959. Jim David

Jim David was drafted by Detroit in the 22nd round of the 1952 NFL Draft and recorded seven interceptions in his rookie season. He played his entire eight-season career with the Lions and was named to six consecutive Pro Bowls from 1954-1959. Nicknamed “the Hatchet” for his propensity to deliver big hits, David intercepted 36 passes during his career and helped the Lions to three NFL Championships.

After retiring from playing after the 1959 season, he went into coaching, joining the Los Angeles Rams’ staff from 1960-1963, where he worked as a defensive backs’ coach before becoming a scout. He then joined former Lions teammate Jack Christiansen‘s staff with the San Francisco 49ers for three seasons before returning to Detroit to work under another former teammate, Joe Schmidt, as a defensive coach from 1967-1972. He would eventually present one of his players, Lem Barney, at the Hall of Fame in 1992.

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