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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. 1952-1953, 1956-1964. Yale Lary. 3. player. 50

Yale Lary was drafted by the Lions in the second round of the 1952 NFL Draft. After making the Pro Bowl in 1953 he missed the 1954 and 1955 seasons due to military service. He returned to the Lions in 1956 and picked up where he left off, being named to seven straight Pro Bowls.

Lary played each of his 11 seasons as a Lion and was named to the Pro Bowl during nine of them. He was a critical member of the Lions defense during three NFL Championship runs and accumulated 50 interceptions over the course of his career, which ranks third in franchise history.

Lary was also an excellent punter for the Lions, leading the NFL in punting average three times. His career average of 44.3 yards per punt is second only to current punter Sam Martin in franchise history. He also returned punts and kickoffs early in his career, returning three punts for touchdowns.

Lary did a lot more than just play football during his playing days. From 1959-1963, he was a member of the Texas state legislature. He made the Pro Bowl each of those years on the football field and was sworn-in for his second term four days after playing in the 1961 Playoff Bowl. He also played some minor league baseball during the offseasons early in his career.

He is a member of the NFL 1950s All-Decade Team and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979.

Next: 2. Jack Christiansen

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