Detroit Lions helmet (via Getty Images)
The Detroit Lions are one of the most intriguing franchises in the NFL. After many long years of disappointment from the Lions’ fanbase, Dan Campbell and Jered Goff have led the team out of misery, and they are now Super Bowl contenders.
However, not all news is positive in Detroit. Last night, it was breaking news that one of the team’s former signal callers, Greg Landry, drafted in the first round and played from the late 1960s into the 1970s, has passed away.
“We join the NFL community in mourning the loss of former Lions quarterback and coach Greg Landry,”
The Lions posted to their social media, confirming the loss of the legendary Lions quarterback.
We join the NFL community in mourning the loss of former Lions quarterback and coach Greg Landry. pic.twitter.com/3YHbnTZbe5
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) October 5, 2024
The Detroit Lions Confirm The Loss Of Former Quarterback And Coach Greg Landry
Landry was the 11th overall pick of the 1968 NFL/AFL draft, where the Detroit Lions selected him. The stats in his first three seasons weren’t much to look at as he struggled out of the gait in the Motor City.
In 1971, Landry enjoyed a breakout performance with the Lions, throwing for over 2,200 passing yards while completing 52 percent of his passes. Landry also threw 16 touchdowns compared to 13 interceptions, which garnered him a Pro Bowl selection and All-Pro honors.
In his 11 seasons with the Lions franchise, he threw for over 12,000 passing yards and 80 touchdowns, compared to 81 interceptions, before joining the Baltimore Colts. He also spent some time in the USFL before heading to Chicago to join the Bears.
Landry eventually retired with over 16,000 passing yards and just over 90 passing touchdowns, compared to over 100 interceptions. Following his playing days, he joined the coaching staff of the Browns and Bears before ultimately ending up back home in Detroit as the quarterbacks coach.
We want to send our condolences to his friends, family, and former teammates.
