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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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. Defensive Back. 1959-1972. Dick LeBeau. 4. player. 50

Drafted and cut by the Cleveland Browns in 1959, Dick LeBeau was signed soon after by Detroit, where he stayed for the next 14 seasons. LeBeau intercepted 62 passes during his career, which is still a franchise record, started 171 consecutive games and was named to the Pro Bowl three times, from 1964-1966.

Aug 21, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Steelers, 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 21, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Steelers, 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

LeBeau was part of one of the best defenses in history while in Detroit, teaming up at different times with Lions legends such as the Fearsome Foursome, Yale Lary, Joe Schmidt, Night Train Lane, Wayne Walker and Lem Barney.

LeBeau is just as well-known for his success as a coach as a player. For over four decades, he has coached some of the league’s top defenses and has been credited with some of the game’s most important defensive innovations, the zone blitz in particular. His defense was the cornerstone of the Pittsburgh Steelers teams that won Super Bowls XL and XLIII. He is currently the defensive coordinator of the Tennesee Titans. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2010.

Next: 3. Yale Lary

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