The Detroit Lions aren’t a team with a ton of legacy. They haven’t ever won a Super Bowl, and they certainly haven’t even been to the playoffs too often. But, that doesn’t mean the Lions are without talent. Throughout the years, the Detroit Lions have enjoyed an incredible roster of players. It’s too bad some of these players didn’t overlap, because the team really could have brought home a victory.

So, who’s the greatest Detroit Lions player of all time? In ways, it’s a difficult question, and in other ways, it’s not. But, one player does stand above the rest.

Before we get to the No. 1 player, let’s look at a few others who are tops.

Calvin Johnson Jr. was one of the league’s best wide receivers of all time. He played with the Detroit Lions for nine seasons, and all of his time was spent with the Lions. His nickname was even “Megatron,” taken from the Transformers character of the same name. What’s intriguing about Johnson is that he retired while still in his prime, after just nine seasons. At the time, he said he had lost some passion for the sport and had some health concerns. Of course, the fact that the Lions couldn’t win, even having one of the NFL’s greatest wide receivers of all time, had something to do with it, too.

Another favorite is Joe Schmidt, who bleeds Honolulu blue. He served as a line backer for the Lions from 1953 to 1965, and then, he came onboard as head coach from 1967 to 1972. Schmidt was pure defense. He served as captain of the Lions defense for nine years and a huge part of that era of the team. He also won the NFL MVP in 1960, an honor rarely given to a Lion.

Here’s the Greatest Detroit Lions Player of All Time

So, who’s No. 1? It has to be the great Barry Sanders. The star running back served on the team from 1989 to 1998. He even, as of this year, has his own statue outside Ford Field.

Barry Sanders, a name etched in football history, remains one of the most beloved and revered athletes of all time. With his unmatched athleticism, jaw-dropping moves, and humble demeanor, Sanders captivated the hearts of fans and inspired a generation of players. Aside from his time with the Detroit Lions, Sanders also played college football for the Oklahoma State Cowboys. While there, he won the prized Heisman Trophy.

But, back to the Lions. Sanders had a profound impact on the Detroit Lions franchise, revitalizing the team during his tenure. He single-handedly elevated the Lions’ offense, turning them into contenders and injecting a new energy into the team and its fans. Sanders’ electrifying performances brought excitement and hope to a franchise that had struggled in previous decades. What’s more, his commitment to the Lions throughout his career and his loyalty to the city of Detroit solidified his status as a praised figure in the team’s history. There will never be another Barry Sanders, and that’s how it should be.