Fansided

Five great players whose careers have been killed by the Detroit Lions

By Charles Rahrig V

Nov 22, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) adjusts his helmet during the second quarter against the Oakland Raiders at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) adjusts his helmet during the second quarter against the Oakland Raiders at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 18, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions former running back Barry Sanders during Pro Football Hall of Fame ring ceremony at halftime of the NFL game against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2015; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions former running back Barry Sanders during Pro Football Hall of Fame ring ceremony at halftime of the NFL game against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Barry Sanders

Barry Sanders is considered by many to be the greatest running back in the history of the NFL. The fact that he was on the Detroit Lions and never won a Super Bowl can’t overshadow the fact just how great he was.

He could make moves that others dreamed of, as he constantly spun, juked and stiff-armed his way through defenders. He had lightning speed and could catch the ball. He was the complete package at running back and will forever hold a spot in NFL history.

Sanders is also the poster child for players whose career was killed by being with a bad team. Despite the fact that the Lions made a decent run in 1991, the team never really achieved much success after that during Sanders’ career.

He averaged over 1,500 yards a season at the running back spot and has several records to his name that will probably never be broken. He was in the 2,000-yard rushing club, which is the rarest company that a running back can be in.

An argument can be made that he is the greatest of all time. Unfortunately, the Lions and Sanders could never get to the Super Bowl or make multiple sustained playoff runs.

He will forever be remembered for being one of the best. The rest of the Lions’ teams that he was on will not.

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